Years after shaping Afrobeats history together, Oladapo ‘D’banj’ Oyebanjo revealed that his music colleague Michael ‘Don Jazzy’ Ajereh, not him, decided they should part ways from their co-founded label Mo’Hits. 

The singer, dubbed Koko Master, who spoke on the Mic On Podcast, said this decision helped preserve their long-standing friendship. D’banj added that Don Jazzy handed him complete control of his music catalogue, along with ten unreleased tracks.

“The idea to go our separate ways didn’t come from me; it 100 per cent came from Don Jazzy, and that’s why we’re still cool and have no issues. Don Jazzy gave me all my catalogue and maybe ten songs I haven’t released,” he said.

D’banj stated that he understood that they needed to push for a global movement at the time.

READ ALSO: How I Almost Left Nigeria, Quit After Mo’Hits Fell Apart

The 45-year-old music icon said he remained grateful that their final joint release, Oliver Twist, achieved international success.

“Even though he had his opinion, I knew we needed to cement that global movement. I have no regrets. You can’t regret what you didn’t do,” he said.

The ‘Mo Gbono Feli Feli’ crooner said neither he nor Don Jazzy ever wronged each other. He attributed their separation to timing and vision.

“Maybe it was vision; maybe it was timing. I’m not perfect, but I am loyal, and I have a clear attitude,” he said.

D’banj emphasised that he and Don Jazzy still share a close bond, revealing that many people assume they fell out, but they remain strongly connected.

“People don’t know, but Don Jazzy and I talk very much. For my 20th anniversary teaser, I sent him the John Wick idea, and he came through,” the award-winning musician said.

He said their creative chemistry remains strong, adding that they still have unreleased material together. When asked if he would change anything about their partnership, he replied, “nothing.”

Mo’Hits

D’banj and Don Jazzy formed Mo’Hits Records in 2006 after meeting in 2004, creating one of Nigeria’s most influential music labels.

The imprint revolutionised Afrobeats with its unique style and sound, launching stars such as Wande Coal, Dr SID, D’Prince, and K-Switch.

Albums like Mushin 2 Mo’Hits and Curriculum Vitae shaped a generation, while Don Jazzy’s production style set a new industry benchmark.

At its peak, Mo’Hits symbolised excellence, creativity, and brotherhood in Nigerian music.

However, internal disagreements led to its collapse in 2012, when Don Jazzy publicly announced D’banj’s exit, ending an iconic era that fans still celebrate.

More than a decade later, from the ashes of Mo’Hits, Don Jazzy built Mavin Records, continuing the legacy with global stars like Grammy-nominated Rema and Ayra Starr, as well as Tiwa Savage, Korede Bello, Johnny Drille, Magixx, Ladipoe, and Crayon.

Meanwhile, earlier in November, Don Jazzy, in an interview with Rolling Stone Africa, revealed he nearly quit music and left Nigeria after Mo’Hits Records collapsed in 2012. He described it as one of his lowest career points. He said the support of close friends kept him from giving up entirely.

Reflecting on Don Jazzy’s success, D’banj further stated that he “felt proud” of the Mavin Records boss. He described Mavin as one of the most influential labels in Africa.

“I’m super happy for him. My vision has always been clear. I’m a pace-setter, so it’s about the movement and the future,” he said.

The 45-year-old singer also opened up about the death of his one-year-old son, Daniel III, in 2018. He described the tragedy as the “most painful moment” of his life.

“That was the first time I knew Superman had kryptonite. Even the Mo’Hits breakup didn’t move me at all, but losing my son broke me,” he said.

He said the loss halted major plans for his CREAM platform, noting that he found strength through prayer and faith.

D’banj added that the experience reshaped his perspective on life, family and purpose, making him a stronger and more grounded person.