…By Dorcas Funmi for TDPel Media.
Veteran Nigerian producer and singer, Michael Collins Ajereh, popularly known as Don Jazzy, recently shared the story of how he embarked on his music career.
In an interview on the Leaderboard podcast hosted by Fisayo Fosudo, the Mavin boss revealed his early inspirations and the challenges he faced while starting out.
Inspiration from Ajegunle:
Don Jazzy attributed his passion for music to the vibrant music scene in Ajegunle, a neighborhood in Lagos.
He mentioned two influential musicians, Daddy Showkey and Baba Fryo, as the sources of his inspiration.
Growing up amidst their music, Don Jazzy admired their style and hoped to make a similar impact in the industry.
Church as a Starting Point:
Due to financial constraints, Don Jazzy couldn’t afford expensive studio sessions when he first began his musical journey.
As a result, he turned to the church as a platform to nurture his talent.
Don Jazzy shared that he started his music career as an instrumentalist in the church, where he could freely access musical equipment without any cost.
The Quest to “Blow” like Daddy Showkey:
Don Jazzy expressed his desire to achieve the level of success and recognition enjoyed by Daddy Showkey.
He aimed to create music that would resonate with people all across the country, just like the hits by his idol.
The catchy and memorable lyrics of Daddy Showkey’s songs were like national anthems, which motivated Don Jazzy to pursue a similar path.
Church: A Haven for Music:
To hone his skills and explore his musical potential, Don Jazzy sought refuge in the church.
Apart from being a place of worship, it served as a sanctuary where he could freely experiment with different instruments.
The church offered him a conducive environment to practice and improve, considering the lack of financial resources for professional studio sessions.
Choosing Gospel over Ragga:
While many artists in Ajegunle gravitated towards ragga and reggae music styles, Don Jazzy decided to start with gospel music in the church.
He believed that this genre provided him with an opportunity to learn and develop his musical abilities without the need for costly studio sessions.
By embracing gospel music, Don Jazzy found a way to express his creativity and refine his skills.
Conclusion:
Don Jazzy’s journey in the music industry began with his early inspirations from Daddy Showkey and Baba Fryo in Ajegunle.
Despite financial constraints, he utilized the church as a platform to kickstart his career and grow as a musician.
The experience of playing instruments in the church allowed him to pursue his dream and set the foundation for his future success.