Don Jazzy and the rise of Nigerian hip-hop

The last few years have seen Nigerian music explode in popularity all over the world, from D’banj scoring a No 1 in the UK with Oliver Twist to Wizkid’s collaborations with the likes of Drake, Skepta and French Montana. While in Lagos, in collaboration with the British Council, Boiler Room got three of the scene’s most influential pioneers – Don Jazzy, DJ Jimmy Jatt and Dr SID – to discuss the evolution of Nigerian music over the last two decades, the current musical climate in Nigeria, and how the term Afrobeats can be problematic.

Don Jazzy is one of Nigerian music’s most influential figures. He’s a producer, artist and label boss who established Mo’ Hits Records with D’banj and now runs Mavin Records, which he intended to become the “powerhouse of music in Africa”. He’s also produced for Kanye West’s label, GOOD Music, and worked on the West and Jay Z’s album Watch the Throne. DJ Jimmy Jatt pioneered hip-hop DJing in Nigeria and is one of the scene’s most influential figures. Dr SID – who is also a qualified dentist – signed to Mo’ Hits in 2007, and followed Don Jazzy to Mavin Records. He remains a key figure in Nigeria’s hip-hop scene.