Nigeria: Why I Didn't Sign Wizkid, Davido - Don Jazzy

14 July 2023

Mavin Records executive has revealed why he did not sign Wizkid and Davido to Mo' Hits, the now-defunct record label.

Don Jazzy, alongside D'banj, co-founded Mo' Hits Records in 2006 but the label dissolved in 2012.

In a podcast interview with Fisayo Fosudo, Don Jazzy said he could not sign Wizkid because Banky W's EME got to him first.

He said it could have been "amazing" if he had signed Wizkid to his label.

"Wizkid, obviously, I could not (sign), because Banky got to him first. That would have been amazing," he said.

The record label boss also listed some talented singers he "wish I could have signed" including Davido, Falz, Simi and Teni.

He said at some point, he had the opportunity to sign Davido but figured out the 'Assurance' hitmaker "will be fine" on his own.

"There are plenty of artistes I wish I could have signed. I like Simi. I did not sign but I wish I did. I like Teni. I had the opportunity for David, obviously. But I kinda figured that he will be fine," he added.

"Again, Falz. I love his work. We almost actually had a deal but it did not work out.

"At the end of the day, you cannot sign every artiste. If I see an artiste now that I like, off the top of my head I am thinking (of spending) fifty to a hundred million in one year to actually get to somewhere. There is a lot of work and there are some of artistes on your roster already."

AllAfrica publishes around 600 reports a day from more than 110 news organizations and over 500 other institutions and individuals, representing a diversity of positions on every topic. We publish news and views ranging from vigorous opponents of governments to government publications and spokespersons. Publishers named above each report are responsible for their own content, which AllAfrica does not have the legal right to edit or correct.

Articles and commentaries that identify allAfrica.com as the publisher are produced or commissioned by AllAfrica. To address comments or complaints, please Contact us.