Don Jazzy has made it clear that signing an artist to Mavin Records does not guarantee global stardom or massive financial returns, explaining that developing musical talent comes with risks just like any other business.
The Nigerian music executive, whose real name is Michael Collins Ajereh, shared the perspective during a recent livestream with forex trader Habby Forex, where he compared the uncertainties of the music industry with the risks involved in foreign exchange trading.
According to Don Jazzy, not every artist signed to his record label will become an international star. Rather than measuring success exclusively through global recognition or commercial returns, he said Mavin Records values an artist’s progress and improvement over time.
“The forex market is just something I do for fun. Music still takes most of my time, and my other businesses are not as volatile and risky as the forex market,” Don Jazzy said.
He acknowledged that investing in musical talent involves uncertainty, just as trading does. A record label can sign an artist, provide development opportunities and invest resources without necessarily turning that artist into a global sensation.
“But not every artist I signed will become global. Just like in trading, there is risk in the music business, too,” he explained.
His approach to measuring success, however, places emphasis on progress rather than fame alone.
“But to us, as long as you are better today than yesterday as an artist, you are a success,” he added.
The statement offers a glimpse into how the Mavin Records boss views artist development. Under that philosophy, an artist’s improvement can count as success even when international recognition or major commercial returns have not materialised.
Don Jazzy’s comparison also highlights the business realities behind the music industry. Record labels make investments in talent, but commercial outcomes are not guaranteed, and global success is not the only possible measure of an artist’s development.
The executive’s comments come as Mavin Records continues to operate within Nigeria’s competitive music industry, where artists pursue both local success and international audiences.
In a separate development, Don Jazzy recently discussed the difficulty of parting ways with former Mavin Records artist Di’ja during an appearance on the Crea8torium podcast. He reportedly described the decision as an emotional one, explaining that he views the artists he works with as his children.
Together, the remarks offer a glimpse into two sides of running a record label: investing in artists whose futures are uncertain and navigating the personal relationships that can develop throughout their careers.
For Don Jazzy, success is not simply about producing the next global superstar. It is also about helping artists become better at what they do.