“Don Jazzy Broke It” – D’Banj Finally Opens Up on Mo’Hits Split, Reveals Don Jazzy Initiated the Breakup and Handed Over Full Catalog Ownership

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 In a raw and revealing interview, Afrobeats pioneer Oladapo Daniel Oyebanjo, better known as D’Banj, has broken his long-standing silence on the 2012 dissolution of Mo’Hits Records, the groundbreaking label he co-founded with Michael Ajereh, aka Don Jazzy. The Koko Master candidly disclosed that the idea to part ways “didn’t come from me—it came from Don Jazzy 100%,” crediting his former partner’s decision with preserving their enduring friendship and ensuring a seamless transition for his career.

The split, which sent shockwaves through the Nigerian music industry and left fans heartbroken, has been the subject of speculation for over a decade. D’Banj, reflecting on the moment during a recent podcast appearance, emphasized the mutual respect that defined their separation. “That’s why we’re still cool,” he shared. “And that’s why he gave me 100 percent of my catalog, even 10 other songs I haven’t released. It’s not about the record label for me; it’s about the movement and the future.”

Mo’Hits Records, established in 2004, revolutionized Afrobeats with infectious hits like “Fall Up,” “Tongolo,” and the global smash “Oliver Twist,” the latter of which marked the duo’s final collaboration and propelled them onto the international stage. The label also nurtured talents such as Wande Coal, Dr SID, and D’Prince, cementing its legacy as a cornerstone of modern Nigerian music. Despite the breakup, D’Banj highlighted Don Jazzy’s generosity in granting him full ownership of his masters, a move that averted potential disputes and allowed him to focus on his solo ventures under Koko Records.

Fans have flooded social media with nostalgic tributes to the Mo’Hits era, celebrating the duo’s innovation and the unbreakable bond that outlasted the label. D’Banj’s revelations have sparked renewed admiration for both artists’ maturity, with many calling it a masterclass in handling professional splits with grace.

As D’Banj continues to thrive with new projects on the horizon, including hints at upcoming releases from his reclaimed catalog, he remains grateful for the foundation Mo’Hits provided. “We built something legendary,” he concluded. “And legends don’t fade—they evolve.”

About D’Banj

Oladapo Daniel Oyebanjo, known as D’Banj, is a Grammy-nominated Afrobeats icon, entrepreneur, and philanthropist. From his Mo’Hits beginnings to global anthems like “Oliver Twist,” he has sold millions of records and inspired generations. As founder of Koko Records and the Koko Foundation, D’Banj champions youth empowerment and African music’s worldwide dominance.

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