Crea8torium

Today on Crea8torium, we sit with Don Jazzy — producer, label executive, and the architect behind some of the most defining artistes in African music. From Mo'Hits to Mavin, he hasn't just given us hits — he's built careers, cultures, and a blueprint that an entire industry has studied. In this conversation, we get into his production process, how he finds and shapes talent, the weight of hard decisions, and what legacy really means when you've already changed the game. This one is for every creator who wants to build something great — that lasts.CHAPTERS00:00 Introduction 00:09 Jazzy’s Role 04:11 The Producer 05:26 MoHits vs. Mavin07:10 Evolution of Jazzy08:31 Production Process13:33 Finding Talent15:41 What He Looks For20:03 Ayra Starr25:28 Gen Z27:53 Johnny Drille 31:57 Prioritizing Artists34:35 Talent Capacity 36:00 Trolls & Social Media39:48 Balanced Leadership 42:01 Hard Decisions45:20 New Projects47:58 LegacyCONNECT WITH DON JAZZYInstagram: https://tinyurl.com/3vkdbtavTikTok: https://tinyurl.com/2dt3nppuCREA8TORIUM CIRCLE: If this content sparked something in you, Crea8torium Circle is where you build on it.It's our private membership for creators ready to apply what they’re learning, get sharper guidance, and build alongside people operating with real commitment.Join us here: https://crea8torium.com/circle/CATCH OUR EPISODES ON:YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/crea8toriumyoutubeSpotify: https://tinyurl.com/crea8toriumsptfyApple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/crea8toriumappleSUBMIT YOUR QUESTIONShttps://crea8torium.com/ask/JOIN OUR COMMUNITYInstagram: https://tinyurl.com/crea8toriumigTikTok: https://tinyurl.com/crea8toriumtkSubstack: https://tinyurl.com/crea8sstack

Today on Crea8torium, we sit with Ayra Starr — award winning singer, songwriter, and one of the most fearless young superstars Nigeria has ever produced. Performing on stages across the world before she even had time to prepare, Ayra has built her artistry in real time — in public, under pressure, and without apology. In this conversation, we get into her creative process, the difference between performing and creating, collaborations, and what's coming next. This one is for every creator who's figuring it out as they go.CHAPTERS00:00 Introduction 00:37 Creative Process 01:36 How Beggie Beggie Was Made03:00 Storytelling 03:47 Music Finds Her04:58 Performing vs Creating06:37 Inspiration07:39 Collaborations 08:50 Evolution 10:04 Hardwork 11:27How Commas Was Made13:31 Jazzy’s POV14:08 New AlbumCONNECT WITH AYRA STARRYouTube: https://tinyurl.com/yxw7udckInstagram: https://tinyurl.com/4e42uyprCREA8TORIUM CIRCLE: If this content sparked something in you, Crea8torium Circle is where you build on it.It's our private membership for creators ready to apply what they’re learning, get sharper guidance, and build alongside people operating with real commitment.Join us here: https://crea8torium.com/circle/CATCH OUR EPISODES ON:YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/crea8toriumyoutubeSpotify: https://tinyurl.com/crea8toriumsptfyApple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/crea8toriumappleSUBMIT YOUR QUESTIONShttps://crea8torium.com/ask/JOIN OUR COMMUNITYInstagram: https://tinyurl.com/crea8toriumigTikTok: https://tinyurl.com/crea8toriumtkSubstack: https://tinyurl.com/crea8sstack

Today on Crea8torium, we sit with Johnny Drille — artiste, producer, songwriter, and one of the most intentional artists in Nigerian music. From teaching himself the elements of music to building a discography that spans genres and emotions, Johnny has never chased the wave — he's been building something far more lasting.In this conversation, we get into his creative process, the tension between art and mainstream, AI, and his new album. This one is for every creator who carries many gifts and wants to make them all work.CHAPTERS00:00 Introduction00:25 Creative Process 01:46 Creation Vs. Performance 03:06 Live Performances07:40 AI vs Art 11:11 Cover Songs12:41 Mainstream Music14:32 No. Of Songs Created17:04 How He Does It All19:25 Working w/ Ayra21:36 Songs He Wrote23:35 Fav Song Written 25:04 Jazzy’s Taste27:38 Johnny Live30:49 Creating Albums32:29 New AlbumCONNECT WITH JOHNNY DRILLEYouTube: https://tinyurl.com/4bp6k8zhInstagram: https://tinyurl.com/jpdxjysxCREA8TORIUM CIRCLE:If this content sparked something in you, Crea8torium Circle is where you build on it.It's our private membership for creators ready to apply what they’re learning, get sharper guidance, and build alongside people operating with real commitment.Join us here: https://crea8torium.com/circle/CATCH OUR EPISODES ON:YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/crea8toriumyoutubeSpotify: https://tinyurl.com/crea8toriumsptfyApple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/crea8toriumappleSUBMIT YOUR QUESTIONShttps://crea8torium.com/ask/JOIN OUR COMMUNITYInstagram: https://tinyurl.com/crea8toriumigTikTok: https://tinyurl.com/crea8toriumtkSubstack: https://tinyurl.com/crea8sstack

Today on Crea8torium, we unpack the musical engine called Mavin Records, sitting with the architect behind it, Don Jazzy, while seeing through the lens of two exports of this machine: Ayra Starr and Johnny Drille. While Nigeria has consistently produced hits that have shaped global culture, it’s rare to see a music label like Mavin Records that has produced not just hits, but superstars — consistently.In this special Crea8torium episode, we explore how they’ve done this: the systems, structure, and processes that make it possible. We also unpack the evolution Don Jazzy, Ayra Starr, and Johnny Drille have gone through to get to this point. If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to build a 14-year legacy that has directly impacted culture, this one’s for you.CHAPTERS00:00 Introduction 00:25 Jazzy’s Role 02:47 MoHits vs. Mavin04:10 Evolution of Jazzy05:23 Making Dorobucci 06:33 Production Process08:05 Making Olorun Maje09:26 Making Some Hits10:46 Johnny’s Evolution 12:58 Becoming Johnny Drille 13:43 Writing vs Mixing 14:35 Prioritizing Artists16:54 Talent Capacity 17:59 Ayra Starr18:32 Finding Ayra21:11 Ayra’s Evolution22:26 Hard Decisions25:49 Jazzy Shy?27:09 Jazzy’s Leadership29:56 Johnny: Jazzy’s POV31:33 Ayra: Jazzy’s POV32:41 Patience’s Role33:50 Creative Differences 36:17 Legacy 37:16 Mavin’s Future40:11 Note To JazzyCONNECT WITH MAVIN RECORDSYouTube: https://tinyurl.com/ysfjrz4uWebsite: https://tinyurl.com/ycwvmx4kCREA8TORIUM CIRCLE: If this content sparked something in you, Crea8torium Circle is where you build on it.It's our private membership for creators ready to apply what they’re learning, get sharper guidance, and build alongside people operating with real commitment.Join us here: https://crea8torium.com/circle/CATCH OUR EPISODES ON:YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/crea8toriumyoutubeSpotify: https://tinyurl.com/crea8toriumsptfyApple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/crea8toriumappleSUBMIT YOUR QUESTIONShttps://crea8torium.com/ask/JOIN OUR COMMUNITYInstagram: https://tinyurl.com/crea8toriumigTikTok: https://tinyurl.com/crea8toriumtkSubstack: https://tinyurl.com/crea8sstack

In our last Dear Creator episode, we unpacked some dynamics around money, from free work to pricing and even working with friends. In this episode, we explore the concept of multiple income streams, if and when creators should start a business, and the art of making more money. If you’ve ever struggled with any of these, we made this episode for you.CHAPTERS00:00 Introduction00:59 Higher Pay Secrets03:10 Increasing Rates09:23 Starting A Business13:56 Freelance to Agency20:57: Income Streams26:07 Scarcity vs Abundance CREA8TORIUM CIRCLE: We have launched a private membership for creators who want more. Access, resources, tools, and a community of people who are serious about standing out with tailored knowledge. Interested? Join Us: https://crea8torium.com/circle/SUBMIT YOUR QUESTIONShttps://crea8torium.com/ask/ENJOY OUR EPISODES:YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/crea8toriumyoutubeSpotify: https://tinyurl.com/crea8toriumsptfyApple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/crea8toriumappleJOIN OUR COMMUNITY:Instagram: https://tinyurl.com/crea8toriumigTikTok: https://tinyurl.com/crea8ttkSubstack: https://tinyurl.com/crea8sstack

Today on Crea8torium, we have a culture shaper who makes music that moves people not just to listen, but to worship, to introspect, and even to dance. Greatman Takit is one of those rare voices that can transition seamlessly from soul-stirring sounds to genre-bending gospel anthems. Through the years, he has carved a lane that is uniquely his own. In this conversation, we go beyond the music into purpose, faith, and the creative process. We explore the place of vulnerability in creativity and the silent battles fought behind the spotlight.CHAPTERS00:00:00 Introduction00:01:45 Becoming Greatman00:03:19 Creative Evolution00:06:15 Multi-Genre Artistry 00:10:37 Creative Process00:15:05 Solo Creation 00:17:28 Trusting Others00:20:43 Creative Drought 00:24:21 Reception Of Work 00:27:22 Protecting Self 00:32:05 Handling Busyness 00:37:39 Being Misunderstood00:44:47 Tough Seasons00:48:29 TY Bello 00:53:51 Topping Success 00:55:31 Faith+Creativity 01:00:16 A Song He Disliked01:04:21 Vulnerability01:07:40 Being Present01:09:28 Relevance  CONNECT WITH GREATMANYouTube: https://tinyurl.com/tym5t2vyInstagram: https://tinyurl.com/2s3sw7heCREA8TORIUM CIRCLE: If this content sparked something in you, Crea8torium Circle is where you build on it.It's our private membership for creators ready to apply what they’re learning, get sharper guidance, and build alongside people operating with real commitment.Join us here: https://crea8torium.com/circle/CATCH OUR EPISODES ON:YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/crea8toriumyoutubeSpotify: https://tinyurl.com/crea8toriumsptfyApple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/crea8toriumappleSUBMIT YOUR QUESTIONShttps://crea8torium.com/ask/JOIN OUR COMMUNITYInstagram: https://tinyurl.com/crea8toriumigTikTok: https://tinyurl.com/crea8toriumtkSubstack: https://tinyurl.com/crea8sstack

Money is one of the most misunderstood yet important parts of building as a creator. In this Dear Creator episode, we unpack how to think about money and the real dynamics behind free work, pricing, working with friends, and negotiation. If you’ve ever struggled to charge what you deserve or navigate money conversations, this is the episode you’ve been waiting for.CHAPTERS00:00 Introduction01:09 Money Mindset04:36 Free Work09:01 Friends + Work14:03 Pricing Your Work16:24 Underpricing22:19 NegotiationsSUBSCRIBE to our channel and turn on notifications so you'll know when Part 2 is out!CREA8TORIUM CIRCLE:We have launched a private membership for creators who want more. Access, resources, tools, and a community of people who are serious about standing out with tailored knowledge.Interested? Join Us: https://crea8torium.com/circle/SUBMIT YOUR QUESTIONShttps://crea8torium.com/ask/ENJOY OUR EPISODES:YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/crea8toriumyoutubeSpotify: https://tinyurl.com/crea8toriumsptfyApple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/crea8toriumappleJOIN OUR COMMUNITY:Instagram: https://tinyurl.com/crea8toriumigTikTok: https://tinyurl.com/crea8ttkSubstack: https://tinyurl.com/crea8sstack

Today on Crea8torium, we sit down with award-winning writer and storyteller Nicole Asinugo, whose work spans film, global exhibitions, and cultural spectacles—from Expo 2020 Dubai to Global Citizen. Her stories traverse continents and mediums, ranging from the blockbuster Living in Bondage to 1001 Seasons of Elie Saab, the largest fashion show ever staged in the Middle East. In this episode, we explore how she creates from a place of deep honesty, intuition, and creative abundance. Nicole shares what it’s like to walk into global rooms as an African storyteller, how she stays grounded when failure hits, and why she chooses to keep creating even when the road gets loud or lonely.CHAPTERS00:00 Introduction 00:02:00 Global Mindset00:06:20 Limiting Mindsets00:07:52 Developing Audacity00:10:20 Self Doubt 00:18:09 Fear Of Loosing Self 00:19:35 Structured Creativity 00:21:24 Idea Selection00:23:22 Developing Yourself00:27:51 Storytelling Journey00:29:33 Best Part Of Storytelling 00:30:44 On Purpose00:33:20 Getting Ideas 00:38:08 Choosing What To Share00:42:14 Being A Lone Wolf 00:45:51 When To Say Yes00:49:05 Soul vs Skill00:49:53 Infinite Creativity 00:51:38 Creative Maxing 00:58:58 Switching Off01:03:18 Failure & Success01:07:14 Confidence 01:10:19 Labelling Yourself01:17:53 Untapped Paths01:23:04 Untold Stories01:27:51 African Creatives01:32:40 Elie Saab Gig01:41:16 Earning As A Writer01:44:13 Nicole Rewrites Salem’s StoryCONNECT WITH NICOLEWebsite: https://tinyurl.com/3ur7x67cInstagram: https://tinyurl.com/2ftbauxtCREA8TORIUM CIRCLE: If this content sparked something in you, Crea8torium Circle is where you build on it.It's our private membership for creators ready to apply what they’re learning, get sharper guidance, and build alongside people operating with real commitment.Join us here: https://crea8torium.com/circle/CATCH OUR EPISODES ON:YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/crea8toriumyoutubeSpotify: https://tinyurl.com/crea8toriumsptfyApple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/crea8toriumappleSUBMIT YOUR QUESTIONShttps://crea8torium.com/ask/JOIN OUR COMMUNITYInstagram: https://tinyurl.com/crea8toriumigTikTok: https://tinyurl.com/crea8toriumtkSubstack: https://tinyurl.com/crea8sstack

As creators, we’re always 'on' but burnout is real. In this Dear Creator episode, we explore why slowing down isn’t weakness, how the fear of 'falling off' quietly fuels exhaustion, and how to build a healthier rhythm that sustains you for the long term.Chapters00:00 Introduction 01:01 Burnout & Capacity02:07 Resting Intentionally 04:29 Burnout Types05:39 Non-Negotiable Rest07:30 Rest vs Avoidance11:20 Know Your Season 13:05 How To ‘Comeback’14:27 Tools To Recharge 17:36 Birthing Crea8torium 19:30 Fear of Vanishing 25:00 The Quiet CREA8TORIUM CIRCLE: We have launched a private membership for creators who want more. Access, resources, tools, and a community of people who are serious about standing out with tailored knowledge. Interested? Join Us: https://crea8torium.com/circle/SUBMIT YOUR QUESTIONShttps://crea8torium.com/ask/Listen To Our Episodes:YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/crea8toriumyoutubeSpotify: https://tinyurl.com/crea8toriumsptfyApple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/crea8toriumappleJoin Our Community:Get Exclusive Info Via Our Newsletter: https://tinyurl.com/crea8toriumInstagram: https://tinyurl.com/crea8toriumigTikTok: https://tinyurl.com/crea8ttkSubstack: https://tinyurl.com/crea8sstack