Don Jazzy Reflects on Mo’Hits Era, Says Afrobeats Thrived When Artists Lived Together
Don Jazzy has reflected on the early days of Afrobeats, stating that some of the genre’s most iconic records were created during the period when artists lived and worked together under the same roof.
Speaking on the Crea8torium podcast, the Mavin Records founder recalled how the close-knit environment of the Mo’Hits mansion contributed to spontaneous creativity and hit-making moments among artists like D'Banj, Dr Sid, and D'Prince.
Don Jazzy explained that the hit track “Olorun Maje” was born from a casual moment in the studio after a heated exchange involving D’Prince and their then-manager Sunday Are.
According to him, D’Prince later returned to the studio and spontaneously created the song’s hook while reacting emotionally to the situation.
“That was how the song was born,” he said, adding that many classic records came from similar unplanned moments of interaction and collaboration.
He also cited Dr Sid’s contribution to another hit track, saying ideas often emerged naturally when artists freely moved between living spaces and recording sessions.
Don Jazzy noted that while the industry has evolved, the creative process today is more structured and less communal compared to the past.
He emphasized that he still maintains a focused approach to production but believes younger artists should collaborate more closely to recreate the chemistry that once defined Afrobeats.
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Don Jazzy’s reflection highlights an important shift in the Afrobeats ecosystem — from tight-knit creative communities to more individual, business-driven setups.
The Mo’Hits era wasn’t just about talent; it was about proximity. Artists argued, joked, inspired each other, and accidentally created hits in the middle of everyday life. That kind of chaos often produces magic that structured sessions can’t always replicate.
Don Jazzy isn’t necessarily saying modern Afrobeats lacks quality — the genre is bigger than ever globally. But he is pointing to something subtler: the loss of constant creative friction.
Today, many artists record in isolation, fly in for sessions, or work across different countries. It’s efficient, but it reduces those “random spark” moments he described — the kind where a complaint turns into a hook and a disagreement becomes a chorus.
At the same time, the current system also gives artists more control, comfort, and scalability. So it’s not necessarily worse — just different.
Still, his message lands: collaboration is not just a strategy in music; sometimes it’s the actual engine of creativity.
