Mercy Chinwo: The singer enjoying a season of alignment with God

Widely recognised for her powerful, emotive vocals and signature berets, Mercy Chinwo has established herself as one of the leading female voices from the Motherland. While her career is defined by massive hits like ‘Excess Love’ and a collection of prestigious awards, she considers her family to be her most significant achievement. Akosua DF caught up with her to talk all things ministry and family.

AKOSUA DF (ADF): So, we know your music, everyone loves you, but we don’t know too much about your genesis. It would be great to know how you got into music professionally.
MERCY CHINWO (MC): Looking back, it all started with a young girl who had nothing but a genuine love for God and a voice for worship. Back then, I wasn’t thinking about a career; I was just captivated by His presence. As I grew, I stayed planted in church, serving in the choir and allowing God to refine my character through every season of waiting, learning and stretching. Everything changed in 2012 when I entered a musical competition. Winning was a great honour, but the true prize was the realisation that God was using that platform to amplify the gift He had already placed inside me. Today, my life is a testimony to His timing and my obedience. It has been an incredible journey so far, and I truly believe the best is still ahead.

ADF: You’re headlining the first-ever Gospel Garden Festival alongside legends like Kirk Franklin, Fred Hammond and Tasha Cobbs Leonard. How does it feel to carry the sound of Nigerian worship to such a massive outdoor stage in London?
MC: I am deeply humbled to share the stage with icons like Kirk Franklin, Fred Hammond, and Tasha Cobbs Leonard. I truly believe God has been intentional with every step of my journey, and bringing this worship experience to a global stage in London is a profound honour. For me, this is about more than just music; I am most concerned with the lasting impact – what happens in people’s lives after the lights go down. I am praying that God does something truly incredible for everyone who attends.

ADF: What is the one message you are determined to leave with the people of London after your final note at the Crystal Palace Bowl?
MC: My heart’s cry everywhere I go is simple: people should experience Jesus and know that Jesus is real and that He’s enough. Let your relationship with Him be active, personal and real. Your life should be a living testimony of His grace and mercy, because life outside of Jesus is empty.

ADF: Let’s talk about your music. Your latest single references the word “season”. Looking at your life right now, what word best describes the current season you’re in?
MC: Alignment.

ADF: Can you expound on that a bit, please?
MC: I am constantly reminded of how intentional God is with every facet of my life – my family, my career and the ministry He has placed in my hands. In this specific season, I’ve realised that my goal isn’t just to thrive; it’s to yield. I am learning to surrender to the assignments He entrusts to me. Right now, everything feels clearer and my purpose feels more defined than ever. I’m in a season of alignment, where peace and grace are my constant companions. It’s the steady assurance that I’m walking in God’s will. My personal plans are in alignment with His overarching purpose for my life. There is so much joy in watching all the pieces come together beautifully, knowing that being in His will is more than enough.

ADF: Amen. You have several collaborations under your belt. You sang with JJ Hairston, Minister Dunsin (Oyekan) – we sing that song a lot in our churches, Pastor Nathaniel Bassey, MOG Music, Diana Hamilton, to name a few. Are there any other artists on your bucket list?
MC: Ooh, there are a few people I’d love to collaborate with, but I think CeCe Winans is at the top of my list. I mean, that would be a dream – I love her work.

ADF: CeCe Winans seems to be the artist every African female vocalist dreams of working with. Aside from the legendary CeCe Winans, who else is on your wish list?
MC: I love Chandler Moore and Forrest Frank. I really believe that we’re in a time where God is uniting sounds across the nations. I’ve already completed a project with Naomi Raine; the track is recorded, and we’re just waiting for God’s timing to release it. Looking ahead, I’m really excited about the prospect of collaborating with artists like CeCe Winans and Forrest Frank. That would be sooo cool.

ADF: You know what? We have to make this collaboration with Forrest Frank a reality. So, at Keep The Faith, we love a good love story. You are married to Pastor Blessed and have two beautiful children together. Tell us how your love story started and when you knew he was ‘the one’.
MC: We started as friends. Our journey from friendship to marriage felt truly divinely orchestrated. From the very beginning, there was an undeniable sense of peace whenever I was with him – a conviction I couldn’t ignore. He has always been a constant source of support, even before we realised our path would lead to marriage. I am so grateful to God for the privilege of being his wife; he is a devoted man of faith and a wonderful father.

ADF: How has becoming a mother of two changed the way you understand the heart of God? Does ‘Excess Love’ mean something different to you now when you look at your children?
MC: Motherhood has been a transformative journey that has redefined my understanding of devotion. I used to sing about God’s love from a place of revelation, but now I live it as a daily reality. Seeing the way I instinctively protect, guide and care for my children gives me a humbling glimpse into the Father’s heart. Becoming a mother has turned ‘Excess Love’ from a powerful song into a lifestyle. Watching myself meet my children’s needs and fiercely protect them has revealed God’s heart to me in the most intimate way. I’ve realised that my capacity to love them is just a small reflection of how much God loves us. I am so grateful for this season of experiencing His grace and sharing that same boundless love with my family.

ADF: You recently shared a touching tribute to ‘TTC’ (Trying to Conceive) mothers. What is the most important thing you’ve learnt about God’s timing through your own journey into motherhood?
MC: Waiting on God taught me one vital lesson: trust Him without reservation, no matter what the situation looks like. Scripture says that those who know their God shall be strong and do exploits. I’ve come to realise that a delay in God’s timing is not a denial of His goodness. Even when life doesn’t align with our plans, staying yielded to Him is key. God is faithful to His word – He does not lie and He never fails. All His promises are Yes! So, for every TTC mother, my heart is with you. I’m praying for you. God sees you; He has not forgotten you. His timing is perfect and it will definitely happen for you. I can’t wait to hear your testimonies!

ADF: Amen. So, before I let you go, I’d love to know, what is next for Mercy Chinwo?
MC: This season is incredibly intentional for me. I’m leaning into a deeper, more intimate expression of worship that I believe will resonate across nations. I am currently developing projects birthed from genuine divine encounters – songs designed to be more than just heard, but experienced. My goal remains to be a steadfast voice of hope, particularly for women and mothers, through this new sound.

ADF: Love the sound of that… but you know something? You’ve never done a UK tour. Can we expect that anytime soon?
MC: Yes, that will happen very soon.

ADF: Okay, we’re gonna hold you to that!
MC: [chuckles] I made a promise. We will definitely have a Mercy Chinwo concert in London.

Follow on Instagram @mercychinwo

The Gospel Garden Festival takes place on August 2. Visit www.palacebowlpresents.co.uk