CHAPTER 47

Hamza took a deep breath and started explaining his idea to Don Jazzy. He suggested that the song starts with a soft piano melody, followed by Don Jazzy's voice introducing the song. Don Jazzy listened intently, nodding his head in agreement. He looked at Johnny, signaling him to enter the live room and arrange a microphone for Hamza who sat by his side. Don Jazzy gave Hamza a nod, telling him to show how the intro should be done.

Hamza closed his eyes, feeling the music take over him. When Don Jazzy signaled him to start singing, Hamza opened his mouth and let his voice flow with the melody. He tried his best to deepen his voice so it could sound like how Don Jazzy sounded when singing the intro.

Johnny Drille, who was in the live room, heard Hamza's voice in the intro. He was shocked about how quickly Hamza thought of the humming and voice that fitted the song. Recording a song can't be done in a day, hence they had to have session after session. This was one of the most hectic times for an artist although he loved the process, it could be stirring. That was why he was happy Hamza was here. Bringing him back to his thoughts was the beat that followed, and Don Jazzy gave him a nod to sing.

Hamza just watched as Johnny Drille serenaded "Believe Me". His voice cascaded with a tender yet powerful resonance, effortlessly capturing the depth of the song. Each word seemed to carry an emotional weight, delivered with such sincerity that it felt like a heartfelt plea. His delivery was not just in the pitch-perfect notes but in the raw emotion that poured out with every verse. Hamza just sat there in shock. His mind was blown away because it sounded almost like the original song. Just a few touches and it would be flawless.

Don Jazzy had a wide smile on his face as he listened to Johnny Drille singing. He knew this song would be a hit and a sensation. He then looked towards Hamza who had helped big time. It would not have been possible without him being here.

After recording the intro and Johnny Drille singing, everyone gathered and went back to the control room to listen to the final product. Don Jazzy played the song, and Hamza's eyes widened as he heard the intro he had suggested. It sounded amazing, and he couldn't believe that he had sounded a bit more like Don Jazzy when making the intro. It made the song even better.

Don Jazzy patted Hamza on the back, saying, "You have a good ear for music, Hamza. I'm impressed." Hamza beamed with pride, feeling grateful for the opportunity to work with Don Jazzy and Johnny Drille. He knew that this was just the beginning of his journey in the music industry, and he was determined to make the most of it.

Then Don Jazzy excused himself, saying he was going to work on recording the intro and the sound. This left Hamza a bit confused because he felt like Don Jazzy was impressed by him and would probably try to discuss or bring out a discussion about signing a contract he just sighed and tried to hide the disappointment on his face. His friends and Johnny Drille were having a conversation and laughing. David then said to Johnny Drille, "I would love a picture with you so I can brag about meeting you." He then laughed.

Johnny Drille just chuckled and said, "Sure, then we can do that now," suggesting that they all moved out and took different pictures - a personal one with Johnny Drille and then a group. After that, they had snacks and learned a lot about music and Johnny Drille.

They all left the Mavin studio happy and fulfilled. David and Abayomi were dropped at their homes, and they had a smile plastered on their face, saying they enjoyed their time. Hamza and Adekunle both arrived home but were a little bit late and had their dinner.

Meanwhile, Johnny Drille was bothered about something, and it was about Hamza. The reason is, the talent Hamza displayed today was amazing. Even Don Jazzy confirmed it, but what bothered him was that Don Jazzy didn't offer him a contract, although they had the conversation before. That was before Hamza brought this song out, and he knew that Hamza was talented. He also knew Don Jazzy knew that and confirmed it. The Don Jazzy that he knew would immediately bring up a contract signing to hold such talent so his not doing it bothered him, so he decided to meet him. Getting to Don Jazzy's office, he met him working and got himself comfortable before saying, "How is the sound work going?"

Don Jazzy just looked up and smiled, saying, "Well, the young man helped a lot and made our work so much easier." He knew why Johnny Drille was here but was trying not to bring it up or talk about it.

Johnny Drille just shook his head as he saw through Don Jazzy's attempt to avoid the issue. He decided to be straightforward and not drag the issue. "So, what do you think about Hamza?"

Don Jazzy, still looking down at his computer, said, "He is smart, talented, and a promising artist if groomed well." Don Jazzy gave his insight about Hamza.

Johnny Drille had a confused face and he asked trying to find out the reason for him not signing Hamza "That is a very high evaluation coming from you, so if you say he is talented and promising why did you not make your move I mean I have known you for years and you're a very decisive person so from what I can see you like hamza why not sign him?

Don Jazzy just paused looked away from his computer and sighed before saying "Well you do know me well Johnny and I want to sign him under me but it seems he has offended someone and I owe that person a favor so I have to repay it you should know me well that I don't joke when I owe a favor and the person told me to not sign him or render any help so you can see Johnny my hands are tied there is nothing I can do" the look on Don Jazzy face said it all he felt like it would be a waste to have a talented man such as Hamza and not sign him but he couldn't do anything about it he just wished Hamza the best.

Johnny Drille just sat there confused and couldn't help but wonder who Hamza had offended and what exactly he had done to make someone want to end his career before it even started he still couldn't rap his head on what Hamza may have done from what he had seen Hamza was not rude or too proud to offend someone so he couldn't help but ask Don Jazzy the name of the person so he could perhaps plead for hamza he looked at " who is the person? can you tell me a name so I can try to figure out to help ?"

Don Jazzy just shook his head as much as he wanted to tell Johnny Drille the person certain things were not to be done in the industry for example in a situation like this he couldn't mention a name so as not to harm Johnny Drille himself, he then said "you know very well the unwritten rules of the industry and I can't tell you to protect even you " saying this Don Jazzy just sigh shaking his head and couldn't help but also wonder what hamza did to make that person want to bring him down.

Johnny Drille who already expected this was just how the industry is the strong preying on the weak, sat down in silence and felt weak he couldn't understand why someone could be so cruel he then looked at Don Jazzy and said "Thank Don I understand you can't help much" he then walked out.

Don Jazzy just sighed he could understand what what Johnny was going through the fact that Hamza helped him and he couldn't do anything about could be frustrating he just thought of the conversation he had with the person

sighed

*Flashback*

One week ago

Don Jazzy could be seen sitting in his office as usual when he heard a knock on his door. "Come in."

The door opened, and he saw a familiar face and said, "Hey Matthew, how are you doing?"

Matthew, who just came into Don Jazzy's office, was not happy but tried to put a smile on, replying, "I am fine. And what about you?"

"I'm good. So what brings you to my office today? I thought you should be with Johnny Drille, signing the contract for his new song." Don Jazzy said, although he never really liked Matthew. There are just some things you have to put up with due to someone and something. Then he noticed that the look on Matthew's face changed. He was wondering if he said anything wrong.

Matthew, hearing about the contract, couldn't help but feel angry, but he tried to calm himself. But it seemed not to work. He then said out of rage, "Can you imagine the person that was meant to sign the contract brought another song, and it was better than the one that was meant to be used? And we wanted to buy both songs, but he said he wouldn't sell both songs. Can you imagine the audacity? A newbie that hasn't even entered the industry is acting so arrogantly." Matthew was still pissed off about what had transpired, and he felt Hamza had to be taught a lesson.

Don Jazzy, who heard what Matthew said, was first shocked that Hamza came up with a new song that Johnny Drille chose over the previous one. He trusted Johnny Drille's choice, so for Hamza to come out with another song means he's very talented and worth taking note of. And he also understood where Matthew was coming from because, in the industry, one had to sacrifice to be able to make it. But he couldn't understand why he came to him. He looked at Matthew, giving him a nod, and telling him to continue.

Matthew, who was standing, sat down and said, "I want him to be dealt with, if you understand what I am saying." Matthew, though, was only thinking of how he would deal with Hamza so that he would make the industry hard for him. He would also call his contacts to make things hard for Hamza anywhere he goes.

Don Jazzy was taken aback and asked Matthew, "Why are you doing this?" He couldn't help but wonder why anyone would go so far just to prove a point to someone who doesn't understand the music industry.

Matthew looked straight at Don Jazzy and said, "I want to teach him how the industry works since he doesn't have a good understanding of it." He smirked coldly, picturing the difficulties Hamza would face when he entered the industry. Don Jazzy then reminded Matthew that doing this doesn't make them equal and that he owes him nothing. Don Jazzy pitied Hamza and despised people like Matthew for ruining the careers of aspiring artists.

Matthew replied, "Sure, I know that," before standing up and walking out. Don Jazzy couldn't help but feel sorry for Hamza and worried about the people Matthew might contact to make Hamza's life miserable.