Former Big Brother Naija housemate Ijeoma Emi, popularly known as Mercedes, has appealed to Mavin Records boss Don Jazzy for assistance in securing a home of her own, citing safety concerns and difficulties with her current accommodation.
The 26-year-old entrepreneur and performance artist made the emotional appeal on social media, explaining that life after the reality television show had not been as financially rewarding as many people might assume.
Mercedes said she had been struggling to establish herself since leaving the Big Brother house, adding that the exposure she gained from the programme had not automatically translated into financial stability.
Opening her appeal to the music executive, she wrote, “@DONJAZZY Sir, I honestly don’t even know how to put this into words, but I’m going to try.”
She explained that her immediate desire was to secure a place where she could feel safe, enjoy independence and concentrate on developing her career.
“Since leaving the Big Brother house, I’ve been struggling to find my feet again. People may see exposure and assume I’m living my dream, but behind the scenes, I’m working hard to rebuild my life. I don’t even see myself as a celebrity. I’m just a young woman trying to find her place in the world,” she wrote.
The former housemate said her current living conditions had affected both her comfort and her sense of security, making it difficult for her to focus fully on her professional ambitions.
“Sir, I desperately want to move into a place of my own. I don’t always feel safe or comfortable where I currently live, and having my own space would mean so much more to me than just independence. It would give me peace of mind, room to grow, and the freedom to finally focus on building my career,” she added.
Beyond her concerns about safety, Mercedes disclosed that her accommodation had also created practical challenges for her work as a content creator and pole dancer.
According to her, the low ceilings in her current residence make it unsuitable for installing a dance pole indoors, forcing her to practise on the balcony, where changing weather conditions frequently disrupt her training.
“I’m a content creator and pole dancer, and dance is one of the things that makes me feel most like myself. But I currently practise outdoors on our balcony because our ceiling isn’t suitable for mounting my pole indoors. The sun, rain and weather conditions constantly interrupt my training,” she said.
She explained that having a home with adequate space would enable her to practise consistently, produce content and improve her performance skills without the interruptions she currently experiences.
“Having a place of my own where I could safely install my pole, practise consistently, create content and develop my craft would mean the world to me,” she stated.
Emphasising that her request was driven by a desire for stability rather than luxury, Mercedes appealed to Don Jazzy to help her secure suitable accommodation and begin a new phase of her life.
“Sir, I’m not asking for a luxury lifestyle. I’m asking for a chance to stand on my own feet, feel safe, and reconnect with the woman I know I can become,” she wrote.
She concluded by acknowledging that the music executive likely receives numerous requests for assistance, while expressing hope that he would consider hers.
“If you could help me secure a place of my own and get this new chapter started, it would mean more to me than I can explain. I know you must receive countless requests, but I hope you can hear the sincerity in mine. Thank you for even taking the time to read this, sir.”
Her appeal has since attracted reactions on social media, with several fans calling for support for the former reality television star as she seeks to improve her living conditions and advance her career.
Mercedes’ plea has also highlighted the financial and practical challenges that can confront reality television personalities after their time in the spotlight, particularly as they work to turn public exposure into sustainable professional opportunities.