I know my limits with my male fans - Chinwo

Mercy Chinwo is a Port Harcourt-born music diva who emerged as winner in the 2012 Nigerian Idols Talent Show. She was given a sum of N7.5million, a car and a record deal/contract. She is aglow in the music world as she is blessed with a combined talent of singing and acting. So far, Mercy was featured in a number of movies including ‘House of Gold’ which also starred singers and actors such as Ice prince, Omawumi, Yvonne Nelson, Majid Michelle, Francis Odega, amongst others. Mercy spoke on her career and experience after emerging vic­torious at the 2012 Nigeria Idols Talent Show. Excerpts

Let’s know who you are

My name is Mercy Chinwo. I cele­brate my birthday every September 5. I’m the fourth child among five siblings; three brothers and a sister. I was born and raised in Port Har­court. I’m from Ikwere, Rivers state.
I love music with passion; I act as well. I would say I’m an express im­age of the word “talent”. I love ad­ventures, proudly a Christian and happily living for Christ every day.

At what point did you discov­er this singing talent?

I started singing at the age of seven. At that point, I was encouraged by my parents to join the children choir in my home church (The Apostol­ic Church, Rumuodara Assembly). It became better as I gradually grew from being in the children choir to being the leader of the youth choir and till date, I’m still growing in mu­sic and developing my skill.

What was it like when you went into the Nigerian Idols competition?

It was fun for me because I was practically doing what gives me joy. I met with different talented persons who also came to win like I did. The most challenging phase of the competition was the day of eviction where you either get to stay or leave the competition. It was all based on the amount of votes you get irrespective of how good you sing but in all, I was confident of one thing that “HE who had begun a good work in me would remain faithful to finish it.”

How would you rate the idols of then and now?

Well, I would say the competition was on a highly rated level during our season in 2012. It was filled with so much expectation and we also gave in our best. It gets better and better every season. I’m just happy I participated, doors have opened via that.

What did it feel like when you were announced the winner?

O My God! That’s one memory that makes me smile whenever I think about it. In a competition of about a hundred contestants from different states, I emerged the winner!
I was so overwhelmed with joy; I felt fulfilled. I cried that day because I was like the last girl standing. Oh, that’s a wonderful feeling; winning radiates from the inside. Thinking about it now is even giving me the fresh feeling again.

How was the reception after­wards?

My musical understanding ex­panded. I had access to a lot of things that I never knew I would ever have an opportunity to do in my lifetime. I shared stages with popular international and indige­nous artistes. I had the opportunity to speak with upcoming artistes and motivate them so that really means I’m no longer an upcoming artiste and every artiste longs to go past that stage/ phase of life.

I saw you in a movie with Majid, Omawunmi and all others in ‘House of Gold.’ Is that another part of you we are yet to see?

That’s a part of me that has been properly showcased. The movie ‘House of Gold’ directed by Yvon­neNelsogn which had other star acts like Iceprince, Omawumi, Ma­jid Michelle, Francis Odega and co happened to be my first ever ap­pearance in acting and I’ve also featured in a couple of other mov­ies which will be out soon. I’m en­joying every beat of my journey in the industry and more of me will be seen by you all as time goes on. Acting with them on that set was a memorable one and it was also one where I had to bring out my mu­sic skill too. People really enjoyed it and I must confess, I did too.

What was it like acting the romantic scene alongside Majid?

That was daring for me oh I no go lie. On set, I had to go through the script over and over again because that was my very first major role with an act like Majid. I almost did not believe I could pull that through. I thought about it a lot: What people would say when they get to watch that particular scene, and when they see me loving someone like that and at the end of the day, we both came to a meeting point where it felt so easy and everything was achieved on a clean slate.

What’s your genre of mu­sic? Gospel, contemporary or secular?

I would say I do inspirational gos­pel songs. That’s a better way to clas­sify my genre.

Have you had any embarrass­ing moment before?

Yes! The most embarrassing mo­ment for me was at an ATM ma­chine stand.
After a very long, stressful day, I wanted to use the ATM with full assurance (as I thought) I had my ATM card with me because I usu­ally keep my ATM card and my I.D cards in a wallet. So, it was my turn to use the ATM and I had this par­ticular I.D card that has same color with my ATM card, I felt I was with the right object. I tried insert­ing it into the ATM but it wasn’t going in. Unknown to me, I didn’t know people around noticed what happened and they were all laugh­ing and giggling. Before I realized what was going on, my driver im­mediately ran towards me with the real ATM card I felt so embarrassed. After using the ATM, I got into my car and immediately separated my I.D cards from my ATM card be­cause I don’t want to witness such drama ever again (laughs).

Are there changes that you have made that have im­proved your life?

Having a positive mind towards life and taking bold steps to achiev­ing a particular goal have made my life better.
What should we be looking out for from you?
I’m currently working on my al­bum which will be out before the end of the year. Still on my acting career, there are new movies that will be premiered soon. Just keep looking out for these ‘hottie.’
What gets you inspired?
The Holy Spirit is my number one inspiration; he teaches me all things. Also knowing that peo­ple love and support what I do get me inspired to become better. My love for music amazes even me the singer.
How do you handle your male fans?
Oh dear, I relate with them like I would relate with my friends. We all know our limits and everyone is entitled to his opinion. So, I try as much as I can to make them feel special as every other person.