Entertainment

Omawumi Is Like A Mother To Me – Mercy Chinwo

Mercy ChinwoA new Idol, K-Peace, emerged recently, as the curtain fell on Etisalat-sponsored Nigerian Idol Season 5 amid glamour and razzmatazz. ORUKPE NELSON had an encounter with one of the past winners; Mercy Chinwo. She spoke about life after Idol…

After the Idol show, people expected a lot from you considering how you stole their hearts with your voice and beautiful performances. Why does it appear that you’ve not been doing music since you left Idol?

I have actually, but they are not out yet. Yes, it’s been pretty long since I won Idol and nothing has been released. By the time my songs start enjoying airplay one would see that the wait is worth it. I go for shows non-stop and I get so amazed at the way people welcome me and the fact that they still believe so much in me.

That alone gives me hope. My album songs are ready; I am just waiting for the right opportunity. I feel it is better to have a direction than running with speed that leads to nowhere. I know expectations are high from me and I want to use this medium to say I’m sorry for keeping people waiting. I plan to drop some very good songs shortly.

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It’s more like a one-man hustle right now for me. I am not in any record label, I am alone. But I have good rapport with producers and other industry practitioners.

How far have you gone with your acting career?

I’ve done a couple of movies lately which will be out soon, hopefully before August. Also, I do a bit of humanitarian gesture too. I have a Non-Governmental Organisation (Mecinda Safe House) and we visit the less privileged homes monthly to show them love and also support them the little way we can. There’s more to come.

How would you describe your debut as an actress?

The movie was Yvonne Nelson’s House of Gold. I was shy and even afraid because I didn’t know what the outcome would be. When I watched the movie, I was so amazed at my performance. The movie is cool and entertaining. My role there was hilarious because I played a maid that later became the madam of the house. I enjoyed myself in the movie.

Are you satisfied with the entertainment industry?

For me, the entertainment industry is basically about people trying to sell their market in different ways. I think what we need to change is the rate at which they pirate songs. We should help artistes to make money for their sweat. When you are working without gains, it is really annoying.

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What do you think about reality shows generally, including Idol?

Reality shows for me shouldn’t be over flogged. We have talented people who do better or sing better. They’ve never been on a reality show, but have a lot more to offer. It shouldn’t just be a platform to showcase talent alone, what happens after the show? I expect a reality show to have a concrete structure for the artistes to build and make them better.

Reality show is a platform for learning and helping talents grow. Also, you must be hardworking to achieve anything in life; I don’t think I know any young lazy talent that won a reality show. For the lazy ones who think reality show is all they need to make it in life, I would advise they strive and take a step toward helping and enhancing themselves.

It seems you have a good relationship with Omawumi; how would you describe her?

Omawumi is a rare gem with a kind heart. I appreciate every bit of what she does. She’s more like a mother to me.

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What turns you off in people?

I don’t like insincerity, lies and pride. Once you have all these qualities we cannot be friends.

What dose fashion mean to you?

I see fashion as what defines you outside your comfort zone and what represents your person. For me, I have to be comfortable in whatever I put on.

How would you describe your growing up?

I am from a humble background and I am from Rivers State. I am the first child in a family of six and my parents have always been supportive of what I do. Even when I started singing as a child, they encouraged me. So, growing up for me was fun until I lost my dad. But I give thanks to God.

When did you start singing?

I started singing at a tender age. I took it up as a career in 2007 when I lost my dad and I had to take care of my younger ones. I’m the first daughter.