Mavin Records founder and Afrobeats icon Don Jazzy recently gave fans a nostalgic trip down memory lane, sharing his all-time favorite Afrobeats songs and albums in an exclusive interview with RollingStone Africa on October 29, 2025.
Reflecting on the music that shaped both his career and the genre itself, Don Jazzy’s picks shine a light on the golden era of Nigerian pop, particularly the Mo’ Hits era he co-founded with D’Banj.
He highlighted tracks that not only defined their time but also left a lasting impact on the global rise of Afrobeats.
Among his top songs, he singled out 2Baba’s African Queen as a cornerstone record that opened international doors for Nigerian music. Wizkid’s Ojuelegba earned praise for its raw emotion and storytelling that resonated far beyond Nigeria, while D’Banj’s Fall in Love was celebrated as one of the defining hits of the Mo’ Hits era that cemented D’Banj’s continental fame.
Other mentions included 9ice’s Gongo Aso for its seamless fusion of traditional Yoruba rhythms and urban pop, and Davido’s Aye, noted for blending Highlife melodies with youthful charm.
When it came to albums, Don Jazzy gave a special nod to Wande Coal’s Mushin 2 Mo’Hits, proudly noting it was “produced by me.” Released in 2009, the project remains a landmark in Afropop and is widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s greatest albums.
He also highlighted 2Baba’s Grass 2 Grace, Wizkid’s Superstar, D’Banj’s The Entertainer, and Aṣa’s self-titled album, all projects that helped shape the modern Afrobeats sound and inspired a new generation of artists.
Through his selections, Don Jazzy not only celebrates the hits that defined the early 2000s but also underscores the enduring influence of the era and the artists who laid the foundation for Afrobeats’ global takeover.
Don Jazzy’s Top 5 Afrobeats Songs of All Time (Via RollingStone Africa)
#1. African Queen — 2Baba
#2. Ojuelegba — Wizkid
#3. Fall in Love — D’Banj
#4. Gongo Aso — 9ice
#5. Aye — DavidoTop 5 Afrobeats Albums of All Time
#1. Mushin 2 Mo’Hits — Wande Coal
#2. Grass to Grace —… pic.twitter.com/pNAPpLEMDz— 𝗔𝗟𝗕𝗨𝗠 𝗧𝗔𝗟𝗞𝗦 📀 (@AlbumTalksHQ) October 30, 2025