by Hauwa Gambo

This whole story is clumsy – so clumsy that even the artistes under the Mo’ Hits label (one of whom we have spoken to on condition of anonymity) are not exactly clear what is going on; unless this particular artiste is part of the cast in a complex mind game produced and directed by Don Jazzy and D’banj.

Yes, YNaija had reported (See the report HERE) on rumblings in the house of Mo’Hits as far back as two weeks ago, and this past week we were the first to draw attention to the infamous Ebony interview (See the interview HERE) but if anything, rather than become clear over the past few weeks, the story has become more muddled up. Then yesterday, the chief executive officer came on Twitter and appeared to confirm the break-up (See that story HERE).

But, did he really do that? We share 9 question marks around those pesky tweets of his and why they don’t exact say much of anything below:

1. Why did Don Jazzy release a statement via tweets? Yes, he is a fantastic tweeter and that has been his preferred mode of communication (his apology to rappers, his repudiation of President Goodluck Jonathan etc) but if he has just undergone a significant professional break up with his partner, will they not have chosen a more formal means of once-and-for-all clearing the air, especially with international music labels involved?

2. What does the “end of a long era and beginning of a new one” mean? Ladies and gentlemen, this can mean anything. It can mean Mo’Hits is now part of GOOD music, it can mean Don Jazzy is moving to America – it is statement so ambiguous that it is almost ridiculous to say it means Mo’ Hits is breaking up.

3. If indeed our good man has broken up with D’banj, why not just say – “It is true that I have broken up with D’banj” or “It is true that Mo’Hits has undergone a restructuring and has let go of an artiste” or something that is clear and unambiguous. Again, nothing that Don Jazzy has said in any way clearly states that Mo’Hits has broken. Heck, he didn’t even mention the name “Mo’Hits”!

4. All we have is circumstantial evidence – all we have are hints and suggestions pieced together to prove something we all suspect. Are two brilliant young men stringing the public and media along? Unlikely and counter-productive, but not impossible. Yes, D’banj had that clumsy interview and then he withdrew his quotes, and then D’banj has been in America while the Don Jazzy has been in Nigeria, and they have not been seen at any event together lately, and then D’banj releases a video without Don Jazzy and blab la bla. True. And so what?

5. Why did D’banj have to withdraw his “I own Mo’ Hits” quote from Ebony – I mean, if you guys are breaking up, what do you care?

6. Don Jazzy says “some of the rumours you have heard” are true? This is not a careless choice of words – he deliberately chose obfuscation. So, does he mean some of the rumours are not true? Well, which part of the rumours are not true? And why won’t you just come out and say what is true or not?

7. The Linda Ikeji Blog has been the medium of choice for the two sides in this matter and it is important to pay close attention to what she said today in reporting the Don Jazzy tweets. In addition to using a question mark in her headline – “Did Don Jazzy just confirm split with D’banj?” – she went on to say “He might be talking about D’banj. And he might not. There’s so much more going on here that only a few people are privy to. Y’all will probably hear about it in the coming weeks… if I get permission to talk…” So, what Linda is telling you in essence is “I am not confirming that this is a break up – there is more to this than that.”

8. YNaija called the Mo’ Hits manager, Sunday Are today after the Don Jazzy tweets and asked him a clear question: “Is this a confirmation of a split?” Guess what Mr. Are said “I cannot confirm anything – there is no official statement on that.” Seriously? Your boss just said on Twitter that he has split from his star performer and you still say there is no official statement? Ridiculous – unless, maybe he is right and this is not about any split.

9. Finally, what in heaven’s name does Don Jazzy mean by he will be “donating the proceeds of my production catalogue from Day till date to 5 charity organisations”? This does not make any sense. How can he just throw away the income from work he has done for the past 9 years? Dear reader, does that make any sense? In fact, is the money not already spent? Or Don Jazzy has been keeping all the income he has made from Mo’ Hits intact for the past 9 years? Or their contract says whenever he splits with D’banj, he cannot take his earnings with him? Spare me the bull.

So, what do we know for sure in this matter? Well there are two things:

1. D’banj will be issuing a public statement on his own side of the story in the coming days – and that should bring some clarity.
2. The real story is not just about a break-up – no one from the Mo’ Hits family is telling everyone the “whole truth” about this matter.

Bottom line? Those two brilliant young men seem to know exactly what they are doing – which is why, apart from Don Jazzy’s tweets, no media house – online or offline – has an exact confirmation of anything for the public. Our investigations make it clear that something is wrong in the House of Mo’Hits and everything seems to point to the fact that there is a split.

But Don Jazzy has confirmed nothing of such.

Yet.

Or, what do YOU think?