More than a decade after one of Nigerian music’s most seismic splits, D’banj has finally lifted the veil on the dissolution of Mo’Hits Records, the powerhouse label that dominated Africa’s entertainment landscape in the late 2000s.
In a candid interview on the Mic On podcast with host Seun Okinbaloye, the “Oliver Twist” crooner set the record straight about the 2012 breakup that shocked fans across the continent, revealing that it was his longtime collaborator and ace producer Don Jazzy who first proposed they go their separate ways.
“If I were to go back in time, I wouldn’t have done anything differently regarding my relationship with Don Jazzy, especially when the idea to go our separate ways didn’t come from me,” D’banj stated emphatically. “It came from Don Jazzy 100 per cent. And that’s why we have no issue.”
The revelation adds a new dimension to a split that has been the subject of industry speculation for years. When Don Jazzy announced the Mo’Hits dissolution in March 2012, he cited irreconcilable differences between himself and D’banj, but the specifics remained largely private—until now.
What makes D’banj’s account particularly striking is his insistence that the separation, while unexpected, was handled with remarkable professionalism and generosity. According to the Koko Master, Don Jazzy didn’t just walk away—he ensured his former partner retained ownership of his musical legacy.
“Jazzy gave me 100 per cent of my catalogue and maybe 10 other songs I have not released,” D’banj disclosed, a gesture that speaks volumes about the mutual respect that persisted despite their creative differences.
The singer acknowledged that while Don Jazzy had his own perspective on their diverging paths, D’banj remained convinced of a larger vision. “Even though he had his opinion, I knew that we needed to cement that global movement and I’m glad that even after, God still did it for us with ‘Oliver Twist’, which was the last record we released together,” he reflected.
“Oliver Twist,” released in 2012, became an international phenomenon, breaking into mainstream European charts and cementing D’banj’s status as an Afrobeats pioneer—a bittersweet swan song for one of Africa’s most formidable musical partnerships.
Despite maintaining he harbors no regrets about the split—describing it as “predestined”—D’banj’s tone turned wistful when discussing what was lost. “I missed collaborating with Don Jazzy,” he admitted, a rare moment of vulnerability from the typically ebullient performer.
The Mo’Hits story remains one of Nigerian music’s defining chapters. Founded in 2004, the label became home to some of the industry’s biggest names, including Wande Coal, Dr SID, D’Prince, and K-Switch, before imploding at the height of its powers. Don Jazzy went on to establish Mavin Records, which has since launched the careers of Tiwa Savage, Rema, and Ayra Starr, among others, while D’banj founded DB Records.
Both men have achieved remarkable success independently, yet the “what if” of their continued collaboration continues to captivate fans who remember the magic they created together on hits like “Fall in Love,” “Suddenly,” and “Entertainer.”
D’banj’s revelations suggest that behind the headlines and speculation, the Mo’Hits split was ultimately a mature, if painful, business decision between two visionaries who recognized their paths were diverging—and had the grace to part without burning bridges.
As the Nigerian music industry continues its global ascent, the legacy of Mo’Hits and the creative chemistry between D’banj and Don Jazzy remains a touchstone—a reminder of the foundation upon which today’s Afrobeats empire was built.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
D’banj has finally revealed that Don Jazzy, not him, initiated the 2012 Mo’Hits split—a claim that reframes the narrative of one of Nigerian music’s most significant breakups.
Despite the separation, there’s no animosity between the former partners. Don Jazzy demonstrated remarkable generosity by giving D’banj 100% ownership of his music catalogue plus unreleased songs.
While D’banj views the split as “predestined” and harbors no regrets, he admits he misses their creative collaboration. Their final joint release, “Oliver Twist,” became an international hit—proof that their partnership remained potent until the very end.
