Don Jazzy Says Afrobeats Is Still a Baby Genre

Don Jazzy Afrobeats Baby Genre: Mavin Records boss says Afrobeats is still young and evolving, urging musicians to keep learning from the industry’s best

Lagos, Nigeria — Nigerian producer and Mavin Records boss Michael Collins Ajereh, popularly known as Don Jazzy, has described Afrobeats as “still a baby genre” in the global music scene.

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Writing on his X account, Don Jazzy said that while Afrobeats has made remarkable strides, many of its biggest players are still learning the ropes of an evolving industry.

“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,” he wrote.

The music executive highlighted the growth of production standards and international exposure as evidence of the genre’s evolution.

“If you told me just six years ago that an Afrobeats video could cost over 20 million Naira, I would say ahh that’s way too much. But behold, some of us have shot videos over 100k dollars,” Don Jazzy said.

He further emphasised the importance of learning from successful figures both inside and outside the music industry.

“If Burna tells me what it takes to do multiple international stadium shows, I will take notes because I never run am before. If Dangote tells me what it costs to build a refinery in Lagos I will learn from him,” he added.

Don Jazzy also encouraged upcoming music executives to pay attention to the guidance of experienced professionals.

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“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,” he concluded.