“I Wish I Signed Them” – Don Jazzy Reflects on Missed Opportunities with Davido, Simi, Teni, and Others

Michael Collins Ajereh, popularly known as Don Jazzy, is a name that echoes through the corridors of African music history. As a music producer, entrepreneur, and founder of Mavin Records, he is widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s most influential music executives — a visionary who has shaped the careers of some of the biggest artists on the continent.

From co-founding the iconic Mo’ Hits Records with D’banj in the early 2000s to launching Mavin Records in 2012, Don Jazzy has played a pivotal role in discovering and nurturing talents like Tiwa Salvage, Rema, Ayra Starr, Johnny Drille, Korede Bello, Ladipoe, and Crayon. His label is now recognised globally, with a growing presence in the Afrobeats movement taking over the world.

Yet, even for a talent scout of his calibre, not every golden opportunity was seized. In a recent candid reflection, Don Jazzy opened up about some of his biggest career regrets — artists he admired deeply but never signed.

 “I like Simi. I didn’t sign her. I wish I did,” he said. “I like Teni. I wish I did. I had the opportunity for Davido, obviously, but I didn’t because I kind of figured that he would be fine.”

Indeed, Davido – now a global Afrobeat sensation with multiple hits and awards to his name — could have been on the Mavin roster. But Don Jazzy, confident in the young artist’s independent momentum, passed on the deal. “He was destined for greatness,” he explained.

He also revealed that Falz, the socially conscious rapper and actor, was once close to joining Mavin Records, but the deal fell through at the last minute.

“Falz, I love his work, and we almost actually had a deal. Well, it didn’t work out,” he said.

On Wizkid, Don Jazzy expressed admiration but acknowledged that the opportunity never existed in the first place — the superstar had already been signed by Banky W’s EME Records before he could make a move.

Despite the missed opportunities, Don Jazzy remains philosophical. “At the end of the day, you can’t sign everybody,” he said. “No matter how talented they are.”

These reflections highlight not only the fierce competition in the Nigerian music industry but also the complexity of scouting and managing rising stars. Still, Don Jazzy’s eye for talent and the empire he has built through Mavin Records continue to shape the industry, and his willingness to speak openly about his regrets only reinforces his reputation as a transparent, self-aware industry icon.

From launching stars to supporting young creatives across digital platforms, Don Jazzy’s legacy is one of constant evolution, even as he admits that a few superstars slipped through his fingers.