Afrobeats superstar D’banj has opened up about the split of the iconic music label Mo’Hits, revealing that it was his former partner and producer, Don Jazzy, who suggested they go their separate ways. Speaking on the Mic On podcast with host Seun Okinbaloye, D’banj said the decision was not mutual as often reported, but was initiated by Don Jazzy.
At Peace with the Past
D’banj emphasized that he harbors no resentment over the split. “If I were to go back in time, I wouldn’t have done anything differently regarding my relationship with Don Jazzy, especially when the idea to go our separate ways didn’t come from me. It came from Don Jazzy 100 per cent. And that’s why we have no issue,” he explained.
The Koko Master also praised Don Jazzy for his generosity in transferring ownership of his music catalogue, including some unreleased tracks. “Jazzy gave me 100 per cent of my catalogue and maybe 10 other songs I have not released,” D’banj said. “It was a journey for me, even though he had his opinion, I knew that we needed to cement that global movement, and I’m glad that even after, God still did it for us with ‘Oliver Twist’, which was the last record we released together.”
Missing the Collaboration, Embracing Destiny
Although D’banj admitted he misses the creative synergy with Don Jazzy, he believes their separation was meant to be. “We had an amazing run, but sometimes paths diverge for a reason,” he reflected. The singer’s comments highlight a sense of closure and appreciation for the role Don Jazzy played in shaping his career, particularly during Mo’Hits’ golden era.
Legacy of Mo’Hits
The duo’s collaboration under Mo’Hits produced hits that helped define modern Afrobeats, launching D’banj as a global star. Their final hit, Oliver Twist, remains a testament to their impact on the genre and international music scene. Despite parting ways, D’banj acknowledges that their time together laid the foundation for the global recognition of Afrobeats today.