In the last few weeks, the world has seen the end of an era – the Mo’Hits era, but not without a full dose of drama – more drama than in those recycled South-American soap operas.
Drama backed with claims, counter claims, responses, counter responses,exclusive interviews, exposing facts and leaked E-mails. And if you think the drama is over, you are hereby advised to grab a bowl of popcorn, snuggle up in your couch and keep watching, because from the looks of it, this isn’t ending soon.
If you’ve followed the Mo’Hits brouhaha – a la the ‘D’banj VS Don Jazzy messy fight’, you’ve either been entertained, amused or downright irritated. Nevertheless, the drama continues with both parties still not letting their guards down…
It’s been the same old story for most persons with the title ‘Don’ in the mafia movies – unparalleled rise to success, years of reign and respect but then an ultimate crash. Name it – Godfather, Goodfellas, Scarface, Casino, Frank Lucas….it’s all the same. Is this the same fate of our beloved Don Jazzy?
Don Jazzy was hardly the fan favourite back then; sure, he was respected, but he wasn’t the one the fans clung to. He barely spoke, letting D’banj do all the talking (and gesticulating). Don Jazzy grew the persona of a real mafia don – you know, like the ones in Sicily that head the cartel, always feared and respected, known to bless careers with hits (songs) upon hits.
But when more and more money rolled in, D’banj somewhat alienated himself from the fans and media, leaving the ‘Don’ to take care of the multitude of fans. The once ‘shy guy’ became very vocal on micro-blogging site Twitter, often giving out airtime recharge cards, iPads and more gifts, even organizing an online music competitionwhich trended on social networks for weeks.
Don Jazzy engaged the fans, positioned himself as an accessible celeb, and a media darling. He even went as far as granting radio and TV interviews, responding to E-mails, covering magazines and delivering acceptance speeches at award shows. Don Jazzy became more accessible; the one everybody could call on and be assured of prompt response. When the heat came upon both men during the ‘Occupy Nigeria’ period, Don Jazzy once again cried out to his people, dissociating himself from D’banj, who received brutal tongue lashings from Nigerians home and abroad for seemingly evading the issue.
But last week, the Don’s credibility was tested; his mystique torn apart, when D’banj, in an elaborate interview with NET, accused his former label partner of betraying him, leaving many of the producer’s loyal fans startled, and perhaps revising where they should stand in the whole matter.
‘He said to me in July last year ‘Let’s scatter Mohits. He told me there are two captains – two captains cannot be in a ship. I was like ‘that’s not possible, this is a marriage‘, D’banj said in the interview, among other revealing things.
If it’s anything to go by, in just a few days, the article received over 70,000 views on NET’s website, with over 380 comments – most of them in support of D’banj. A surprising twist of events, one might say…
‘I have lost all the respect I had for Don Jazzy. Just because you are a good producer doesn’t make you better than D’banj! D’banj fan for life!!!!!!!‘, Shade commented.
‘Following your destiny is not the main thing, but are you sure you are following it in the right path? D’banj, beware of those guys‘, Ifedayo also commented.
‘This was a well conducted interview, honestly thumbs up to the reporter. D’banj God bless you hustle, Don Jazzy…shame on you! I don’t even need to hear any sides again, I could feel the honesty in this interview’, another comment read.
Thousands of fans across different blogs and social media are now praying for D’banj, hailing him as a saviour of sorts for the local music industry. Many are still asking valid questions about the break up; and of course, there are loads of Don Jazzy loyalists who remain steadfast.
So are D’banj’s fans back with him because the entertainer broke down his side of the story by opening up on the matter? Or is it because he’s gaining buzz in the UKand he seems to be flying the African flag proud, while Don Jazzy seems to be on a never-ending hiatus?
The questions are endless. Media analysts have exhausted their theories and everyone is waiting with bated breath to see how the saga will unfold.
A few days after the interview, former friend and music partner Abdul Rasheed Bellobetter known as JJC (Skillz) chastised D’banj after the latter stated that JJC cheated Don Jazzy. It got all messy again as JJC who sheltered the likes of Jazzy, D’banj, Kween and the 419 Squad under his Backbone Music label, opened another can of worms, claiming that the Koko Master (whom he described as the group’s jester) never really wrote his songs, and at a point, was wanted by the UK Police for credit card theft.
While JJC felt bitter and hurt, spilling the beans to Nigezie in a video interview, little did he know that the whole drama would end up on one of the US biggest hip-hop websites Allhiphop.com. The website soon published a flimsy article titled ‘G.O.O.D Music Artists D’banj and Don Jazzy At Odds With Each Other; D’banj Accused Of Credit Card Fraud!‘. More drama…
Ever since the famous interview, Jazzy has kept mute, refusing to grant interviews, and tweeting only thrice since then.
But now the silence has been broken, albeit briefly, and the Don has spoken…
In a very short but exclusive interview via Blackberry Messenger on April 22, Don Jazzy answers some very important questions and leaves many unanswered.
Did you leak the Mo’hits email?
No
Did you ask D’banj that you want to ‘scatter’ Mo’hits?
No
Have you signed any document relinquishing your shares in Koko holding, and giving D’banj his catalogue?
No
When was the last time you saw D’banj?
Not quite long
Will you still produce music for him, if he asks or not?
Yea
Why did you have to get a new apartment?
‘Pass’
Was D’banj ever told about the concluding part of the Samsung deal?
Why all these questions?
Bros, it’s a tough interview but it’s what our readers (and your fans) want to know.
Pass
Okay. Have you been producing music during the last few months? And who have you been working with in the studio?
‘Pass’
Dr SID and Wande Coal have continually shown their love and bond for you over everyone else; how do you feel about their respect for you?
I respect them also cos they are like my brothers
Will you start a fresh label in the nearest future or stick with the name Mo’Hits?
Pass
The producer vehemently refused to have a sit down with us, despite repeated requests (his response to an interview request via email: ‘I’m so sorry but I am definitely not open for interviews for now. Doubt I would be ready for one anytime soon too. Pls I would appreciate if you can understand..).
Those close to him say he’s ‘not really interested in saying anything’. One associate told us last week that the producer has been busy working, and may be blessing fans with new songs soon.
But the industry is getting tired of the drama. Not only tired – many are hoping the estranged friends (and the camps around them) will actually settle their differences and come back together.
Long-time D’Banj and Don Jazzy associate Weird MC‘s submission captures it all : ‘I still have hope that they will kiss and make up. I strongly feel that way‘, she told us in an interview last Wednesday.
It is possible.
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