- D’Banj has revealed that Mo’Hits’ public image and Don Jazzy’s “Don” persona was a calculated strategy.
- The afrobeats icon made the revelation during a recent interview on Adesope Shopsydoo’s podcast.
- D’banj also revealed why they had to go through such lengths for fame and recognition.
Nigerian music legend D’Banj has revealed the carefully planned strategy that helped launch Mo’Hits Records into the spotlight, during a recent sit-down with media personality Adesope Olajide aka Shopsydoo.
According to D’Banj, everything from their public behaviour to Don Jazzy’s “mysterious don” image was part of a masterfully scripted plan to command respect in the industry. And it all began after a major disappointment in 2006.
D’Banj explained that despite Mo’Hits’ success in 2006, they were completely left out of nominations at a top music award show. That incident was seen as a wake-up call. He and Don Jazzy believed the industry couldn’t handle the idea of two young artistes who were also running their own label, which was a rare combination at the time. The duo then decided to flip the script.
D’Banj shared that they deliberately created an illusion where one of them had to take the spotlight while the other played the mysterious executive role behind the scenes. That’s how Don Jazzy was made “the don.”
Interestingly, D’Banj is actually a year older than Don Jazzy, but they agreed that Jazzy should carry the image of the boss. D’Banj said many of the viral moments where he appeared to whisper something serious in Don Jazzy’s ear were just part of the act. He admitted that most of the time, he wasn’t even saying anything, but was playing the script they co-wrote.
He recalled a particular event at Alibaba’s show around 2007/2008, shortly after their award disappointment.
D’Banj said the moment he spotted Don Jazzy, he dramatically prostrated before him. That move changed the narrative overnight. People assumed Don Jazzy was the label owner who signed him, not knowing Mo’Hits was actually a partnership between two close friends with a master plan.
While Mo’Hits eventually disbanded, this revelation sheds light on just how intentional their rise to fame was.
D’Banj and Don Jazzy may have gone their separate ways professionally, but their legacy as Mo’Hits remains one of the most iconic runs in Nigerian music history, now with an even more fascinating backstory.
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