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“It’s Still a Baby” – Don Jazzy Reflects On Rapid Revolution Of Afrobeat Genre
Mavin Records boss, Collins Ajereh, popularly known as Don Jazzy, has shared fresh insight into the fast-paced evolution of Afrobeats, describing the genre as a “baby” that is still rapidly learning and expanding on the global stage.
In a reflective post on his verified X account, the veteran producer explained that despite Afrobeats’ global wins, the industry is still in a constant state of adaptation with artists, executives, and creatives figuring things out as the landscape shifts.
One of the clearest signs of this growth, he noted, is the skyrocketing cost of music video production. Don Jazzy recalled how a ₦20 million video budget seemed outrageous just six years ago, yet today, some Afrobeats visuals cost over $100,000 to create, proof of how quickly the genre’s standards are rising.
The music executive also emphasized the importance of learning from others who have achieved success in their respective fields, citing Burna Boy’s world tours and Aliko Dangote’s refinery project as examples of experiences he’s willing to draw inspiration from.
Don Jazzy wrote:
“This, our beloved Afrobeats, is still a baby genre in the grand scheme of things. We are all still learning every day as the game is ever-changing.
If you told me just 6 years ago that an afrobeats video could cost over 20 million Naira, I would say ahh that’s way too much o. But behold, some of us have shot videos over 100k dollars.
If Burna tells me what it takes to do multiple international stadium shows, I will take notes cos I never run am before. If Dangote tells me what it costs to build a refinery in Lagos, I will learn from him.
That said, my people, if I tell you how to run a successful record label in Nigeria, I will advise you to take notes even if na small note cos we no plenty wey don run am.
I don talk too much. If you care to watch more than blog snippets, you can watch this one for context and educational purposes only. I hail o.”
His comments highlight the evolving pressures and opportunities shaping Afrobeats—an ever-growing genre that now competes on the same production scale as major global music industries.
This our beloved Afrobeats is still a baby genre in the grand scheme of things. We are all still learning everyday as the game is ever changing. If you told me just 6 years ago that an afrobeats video could cost over 20m Naira I would say ahh that’s way too much o. But behold… pic.twitter.com/gHG0WClKJ1
— SUPREMOS 🤍🐘 (@DONJAZZY) December 12, 2025