For rising Afrofusion talent Neo 21, the last few years have been nothing short of transformative. From quietly crafting music in a modest West Yorkshire apartment to becoming one of the most consistent new voices in Bradford’s growing music scene, the Nigerian-born rapper and songwriter is showing how creative reinvention can turn local roots into global ambition.
“I used to record everything late at night, just me and my laptop,” he recalls. “Sometimes it felt like I was making music for an audience that might never exist.”
Today, that audience not only exists, it is growing fast. And so is the sense that his journey is proof that reinvention can change everything.
From Neoteriq to Neo 21
Long before the streams and stage lights, he performed under the name Neoteriq—a title inspired by the Greek word neotericos, meaning “new-age poet.” Back then, music was a creative outlet rather than a professional ambition. But while the name was poetic, the vision was still forming.
A pivotal moment came when he entered the Stand By Me competition organised by Trophy Lager in Nigeria, which drew over 1,000 entries nationwide.
His Top 10 finish was a jolt of validation, proof that the songs he’d been crafting in private could resonate with real listeners.
“That was the first time I felt like, okay, maybe this really is bigger than me,” he remembers.
That experience planted the seed for a new chapter. The rebrand wasn’t just about a name change, it was a decision to bet on himself fully and build something lasting.
The “21,” he says, is personal, a reminder of the power of creativity and community to transform your path.
The Rise of Enthralled
Released earlier this year, Enthralled marked a crucial point in that new chapter, a melodic, Afrofusion anthem exploring the rush of new love and the challenge of balancing it with daily life. Its blend of Afrobeat grooves and introspective rap struck a chord, earning widespread coverage across Afrobeats-focused and Nigerian media outlets eager to spotlight emerging diaspora talent.
“I wanted Enthralled to feel like that electric moment when everything is new and exciting,” he says. “But also to reflect on what it costs to hold onto that feeling when life keeps moving.”
The track’s success laid strong groundwork for his debut EP, Teriqus, set for release on 25th July 2025.
Looking Ahead to Teriqus, Teriqus promises to expand on the themes that have defined Neo’s music: resilience, ambition, and the courage to carve your own lane.
The four-track project explores the dualities of aspiration and self-doubt, love and sacrifice, perseverance and self-definition. It’s a personal yet universal story of navigating life as an artist in motion.
“I think of this project as proof that persistence matters,” he reflects. “Every late-night session, every setback, every small win—they all led here. And now it’s time to build on that foundation.”
Independent Spirit and Global Ambition
What sets him apart is his self-determination. Without major label backing, he has built a professional ecosystem around his music, self-releasing through Launchpad, collaborating with Bradford Producing Hub, Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture and BCB Radio, and using platforms like TikTok and Even to connect directly with audiences in the UK, Nigeria, and beyond.
Each step, he says, reinforced the idea that independence does not mean isolation.
“Doing it yourself doesn’t mean doing it alone,” he notes. “It means building the right relationships and trusting your own instincts.”
While Bradford has shaped much of his recent journey, Neo’s ambitions are unmistakably global. Alongside his growing discography, Neo 21’s live presence has also expanded.
Fresh off performances across regional stages, a guest appearance at Duncan Mighty’s UK show, and an opening slot on Shoday’s UK tour, he was also featured in the official unveiling of Bradford City FC’s alternate kit earlier this year, a sign of how deeply embedded his work has become in the local cultural fabric.
“I love that I can be based in West Yorkshire but still create music that feels international,” he says. “That’s always been the dream, to bridge cultures and show that you don’t have to compromise who you are to be heard.”
As Teriqus nears its release, Neo 21’s story is a reminder that reinvention isn’t only about changing your name or your sound, it’s about believing what you create matters enough to share with the world.
