Don Jazzy Explains Why Afrobeats Still Has Room To Grow

Don Jazzy

Veteran Nigerian music producer and record executive Michael Collins Ajereh, popularly called Don Jazzy, has shared his perspective on the current state of Afrobeats, describing the genre as still developing despite its global breakthroughs.

The Mavin Records founder noted that Afrobeats is far from reaching its peak, stressing that artistes and industry players are constantly adapting as trends, strategies, and standards continue to change.

According to him, one of the clearest signs of the genre’s evolution is the dramatic increase in the cost of music promotion and production over the years.

Sharing his thoughts in an extensive post on X, Don Jazzy wrote, “This our beloved Afrobeats is still a baby genre in the grand scheme of things. We are all still learning everyday as the game is ever changing. If you told me just 6 years ago that an afrobeats video could cost over 20m Naira I would say ahh that’s way too much o. But behold some of us have shot videos over 100k dollars.”

The music executive also spoke about the importance of humility and continuous learning, saying he is always willing to gain insight from individuals who have achieved milestones he is yet to reach.

“If Burna tells me what it takes to do multiple international stadium shows, I will take notes cos I never run am before. If Dangote tells me what it cost to build a refinery in Lagos I will learn from him. That said, my people if I tell you how to run a successful record label in Nigeria, I will advise you take notes even if na small note cos we no plenty wey don run am.”