By Ibrahim Kegbegbe
There are recognitions, and then there are monumental acknowledgments—ones so profound that no reasonable critic can dispute their legitimacy. The Silverbird Extraordinary Achievement Award, presented to Don Jazzy on March 16, 2025, at the 45th-anniversary celebration of Silverbird Television in Lagos, Nigeria, falls into the latter category. In an industry filled with subjective accolades, this award stands apart because it honors an undeniable force of transformation in African entertainment.
A Legacy of Shaping Stars
Born Michael Collins Ajereh on November 26, 1982, Don Jazzy has built a legacy that extends far beyond the beats of Afrobeat and Hip-Hop. His journey from co-founding Mo’ Hits Records in 2004 with D’banj to establishing Mavin Records in 2012 is a testament to his dedication, visionary leadership, and transformative influence on African music.
Great artists can rise through raw talent, but it takes a master craftsman to refine that talent into world-class excellence. Tiwa Savage—now a global icon in Afrobeat—owes much of her meteoric rise to Don Jazzy’s guidance. Had she not crossed paths with him, her career trajectory might have taken an entirely different path.
Similarly, Rema and Ayra Starr—two of the fastest-rising Afrobeat sensations—are not simply lucky prodigies; they are direct products of Don Jazzy’s genius. Their ascent under Mavin Records has set new industry standards, proving that his ability to nurture talent is not a stroke of luck but a deliberate art.
The same can be said for Wande Coal, D’banj, and Reekado Banks, whose defining years were sculpted under Don Jazzy’s mentorship. Even today, when their classic tracks play, the unmistakable imprint of Don Jazzy reignites memories of their greatest musical moments. His ability to consistently create, refine, and elevate musical royalty is what separates him from the rest.
The Undisputed Pillar of African Music
Some industry giants rise and fall, but Don Jazzy has remained a dominant force for over two decades. Why? Because his influence is not limited to his personal success—it is embedded in the careers he has built, the industry trends he has set, and the legacy he continues to shape.
It is, therefore, no surprise that Silverbird Television/Silverbird Group, a media conglomerate with a track record of excellence, has chosen to bestow its most prestigious award upon him. Unlike other honorees at the Silverbird 45th Anniversary celebration, Don Jazzy’s recognition is not up for debate. It is a moment of absolute consensus in an industry often divided by competition and rivalry.
No one in the African entertainment industry—especially in Nigeria—can logically dispute the justification behind this award. If anyone dares to challenge it, let them first produce another kingmaker with a stronger track record of shaping musical royalty. Until then, one fact remains undisputed: Don Jazzy has done what no one else has—he turned the African music industry into a global powerhouse.
Silverbird Has Settled the Debate
For years, debates have raged over who deserves credit for building Nigerian music into the global force it is today. Some argue that individual artists paved the way, while others believe producers and record labels played the biggest role. But now, Silverbird has put an end to that argument.
By honoring Don Jazzy with its Extraordinary Achievement Award, Silverbird Television has done more than celebrate his success—it has issued a bold statement to the entire entertainment industry:
“Without Don Jazzy, Nigerian music would not be what it is today.”
His influence is imprinted on the rise of icons like Tiwa Savage, Rema, Ayra Starr, Wande Coal, and D’banj—artists who have shaped Afrobeat into a global phenomenon. While some may argue that others contributed to the industry’s growth, no individual has built and sustained a music empire as influential as Don Jazzy’s.
So, to those who still cling to the notion that Nigerian music evolved without a central architect, this award closes that chapter once and for all. The debate is over.
The industry has spoken. Silverbird has confirmed it.
Don Jazzy is the architect of Nigerian music—period.
