Veteran music producer and industry mogul, Michael Collins Ajereh, renowned as Don Jazzy, has taken a contemplative look back at his modest beginnings in the neighborhood of Ajegunle, where he grew up as the son of an akara (bean cakes) seller.

During his appearance on the latest episode of the Zero Conditions podcast, the head of Mavin Records shared how his upbringing in a modest environment shaped his character and journey.

Recalling those early days, Don Jazzy said, He said: “I remember it like it was yesterday. I remember sitting down with my mum frying Akara (bean cakes) there, sitting on the bench there in Ajegunle, and any big man that passed by with their Peugeot 504 or Mercedes 230 or whatever would come to buy Akara. I also remember the thought in my head: ‘I wish this man would just look at me and say, Young boy, just take this, I know that you need it’.”

The experience of growing up with limited resources left an indelible mark on Don Jazzy's outlook and ambition.

It's worth noting that in July 2022, Don Jazzy suffered the loss of his mother to cancer, a poignant moment that added another layer of depth to his reflections on his journey from humble beginnings to becoming an industry icon.