Mavin Records founder and Afrobeats legend, Don Jazzy, has revealed his all-time favorite Afrobeats songs and albums, offering fans a nsstalgic look into the sound that defined a generation.
In an exclusive interview with RollingStone Africa shared on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, the veteran producer reflected on the music that shaped both his career and the evolution of Afrobeats from Lagos to the global stage. His selections capture the essence of the genre’s golden years, especially the Mo’ Hits era he co-founded alongside D’Banj.
Don Jazzy’s top songs include timeless classics that redefined Nigerian pop music. He described 2Baba’s African Queen as a cornerstone record that opened international doors for Afrobeats, while Wizkid’s Ojuelegba was celebrated for its raw emotion and storytelling that resonated far beyond Nigeria.
He also mentioned D’Banj’s Fall in Love, one of the biggest records from the Mo’ Hits era that solidified D’Banj’s continental stardom. 9ice’s Gongo Aso made the list for its seamless blend of traditional Yoruba rhythm and urban pop, while Davido’s Aye stood out for its fusion of Highlife melodies and youthful charm.
When it came to albums, Don Jazzy gave special praise to Wande Coal’s Mushin 2 Mo’Hits, which he proudly described as “produced by me.” Released in 2009, the album remains a landmark in Afropop, often cited as one of the best Nigerian albums ever made.
He also named Grass 2 Grace by 2Baba, Superstar by Wizkid, The Entertainer by D’Banj, and Aṣa by Aṣa as projects that shaped the modern sound of Afrobeats and inspired a new generation of artists.
Don Jazzy’s selections highlight the enduring influence of the early 2000s era and the artists who laid the foundation for today’s global Afrobeats wave.+