by Seyi Lawal

Producer and head-honcho of Mo’Hits records, Don Jazzy has released a statement clarifying comments credited to him in the most recent issue of Hiphop World magazine. He was reported to have dismissed rappers and opined that no Nigerian parent was proud of their rapper offspring.

The backlash was swift and came from all quarters causing the out spoken producer to release a statement clarifying his opinions.

It is rough around the edges and trails off at some point but he manages to pass across a message (though you will have to decide for yourself what exactly.)

Read the full statement here:

My bro I am so sorry about what I said. Pls do not take it the wrong way. I would do my best to explain wot exactly I meant Sir.

I like rap. I wish I could rap but unfortunately I can’t. That aside what I mean’t was simply the fact that I don’t know any Nigerian parent above 40 that can recite our rap word for word. That would be something. If there are hip fathers and mothers in Nigeria I don’t think they would be more than 5% of parents.

Our parents love to dance and sing along to songs that they like and brag to there friends that their son is the one singing. You can only imagine how upset they would be inside if them and their friends don’t understand or can’t rap along with their loved son.

Ok i apologize for using the words “not proud of” ‘cos you could say a parent is proud of a child that is a surgeon and can brag to his or her friends about that doesn’t mean that the parent can join the son to carry out a major operation on a patient. Doctor Sid for instance used to be a rapper (and yes i know he was not the best at it). His father used to hate that he was a musician. I personally think he was just frustrated ‘cos he didn’t understand the kind of music he was doing.

Today his father is a true believer since he could sing “Something about you” to his wife. Davido’s father didn’t like his music until he heard “Da mi duro”. Obviously he can join his friends to sing along to the song and be proud about the moment. I have had this discussion with some of my rapper friends too – M.I can tell u that his biggest song today should be African Rapper, Jesse jags – Wetin dey, Ice Prince – Oleku, Saucekid – Undergee or Carolina, Mode nine – Cry. And all this songs are big and widely accepted ‘cos of the sweet melodies on the chorus, meaning more kids and adults alike can sing along. I might be wrong but i have succeeded in this game by knowing the market i’m selling to.

I think i just speak the truth too much sometimes and it gets me in trouble ‘cos i like to be real to myself and everyone around me. That’s one of the reasons why i don’t like granting interviews.
To those that feel offended by my statement, i am sincerely sorry. I definitely wish us all well. No bad belle or bad blood towards anyone. I do hope i have been able to explain how i mean’t what i said sha na there the english wey i know reach. Thanks for reading.
IDJA.

What do you think, Hit or miss?