During an appearance on the On The Grind podcast, Don Jazzy sounded the alarm over a noticeable decline in joint projects among Nigerian musicians, describing the trend as hazardous for the country's music industry. He emphasized that a single tree cannot create a forest, meaning that isolated efforts will not sustain growth.
He told listeners that many artists are letting excessive ego dictate their choices, and that abandoning such pride is essential for both personal development and the sector’s overall health. "Most of Nigerian artists need to drop their pride, grow up and understand that no man is an island. A tree cannot make a forest," he said.
The Mavin boss, who heads Mavin Records, added that collaboration fuels creativity, expands audiences, and opens doors for emerging talent. He noted that while some musicians possess the ability to write, produce, and perform solo, even they benefit from sharing ideas with peers.
"If you are so talented and versatile and can write, produce and sing, kudos to you. But still, you need to collaborate," he asserted. "I am a fan of collaboration. I came into this business collaborating with people and I am forever going to keep collaborating. I understand the importance of collaboration."
Don Jazzy’s remarks come at a time when several high‑profile feuds and solo releases have dominated headlines, prompting concerns that the once‑vibrant culture of cross‑artist features is fading. Industry observers note that past collaborations, such as those between Wizkid, Davido, and Tiwa Savage, helped propel Afrobeats onto the global stage.
He urged artists to view collaboration not as a compromise of individuality but as a strategic move that can amplify reach and revenue. By pooling resources and fan bases, musicians can create richer, more diverse sounds that resonate both locally and internationally.
In summary, Don Jazzy called on Nigerian performers to set aside personal pride, embrace teamwork, and remember that collective effort is the cornerstone of a thriving music ecosystem.
Key points
- The warning was delivered on the On The Grind podcast.
- Don Jazzy highlighted the danger of declining collaborations.
- He used the metaphor of a tree unable to form a forest alone.
- He reaffirmed his lifelong commitment to working with other artists.
- The message aims to revive a collaborative spirit that once propelled Afrobeats worldwide.