Michael Collins Ajereh, popularly known as Don Jazzy, the founder of Mavin Records, has claimed that his mother’s memories of helping him sell akara in Ajegunle is what motivates him.
He appeared as a guest on the Zero Conditions podcast, where he discussed his early memories of selling akara with his mother in the hopes that the “big customers” would see him and tip him.
The music producer went on to remark that time in his life helped mold him and that he doesn’t think most people who claim to have suffered actually did.
Speaking on his humble beginnings, Don Jazzy said; “I remember it like it was yesterday… I remember sitting down with my mum frying akara there, sitting on the bench there in Ajegunle, and any big man that passes by with their Peugeot 504 or Mercedes 230 or whatever and they come to buy akara.
I also remember the thought in my head, ‘I wish this man would just look at me and go Young boy just take this, I know that you need it’ or something like that.”
The music executive further said that now he is successful, his experience has made it impossible for him to meet any person without helping in some way, or without giving back to the community.
Don Baba J said he sees himself in any person he meets that is struggling and is moved to help in any way.
“I have a problem with people meeting me and not getting impacted,” he explained.