In an emotional Instagram post, Neo revealed that in 2014 he was unexpectedly selected as the winner of the MTV Base trivia competition “A Day with Don Jazzy.” The prize was an all-expense-paid trip to South Africa with the Mavin Records crew. However, as a student at the University of Calabar at the time, he could not join the trip due to his final examinations.
Instead, Neo was flown to Lagos to meet Don Jazzy in person. During the encounter, the Mavin boss gifted him ₦500,000, an experience the reality TV star described as a turning point in his life.
“That single encounter made me believe I could truly be whoever I wanted to be,” Neo wrote. “It reignited a fire in me that no circumstance could put out. Today, a decade later, I look back with so much gratitude. To Don Jazzy, who without even knowing, re-inspired my dreams—thank you. To God, who has kept every promise He made to me—thank you. I am a living testimony that when grace speaks, destiny listens.”
Don Jazzy, in response, praised Neo’s growth and character. “Bro GOD got you. You are destined for greatness. Everybody I know that knows you always has amazing things to say about you. Makes me happy and I’m proud to have a line or two in your book. More blessings ahead,” he commented.
Neo, whose full name is Emuobonuvie Akpofure, rose to national fame in 2020 as a housemate on Big Brother Naija Season 5 (Lockdown). Since then, he has built a career as a reality TV personality, influencer, and entertainer.
The story of his encounter with Don Jazzy adds another layer to his journey, underscoring how small moments of grace and opportunity can fuel bigger dreams.