{{Short description|Nigerian gospel musician (born 1991)}} {{Use dmy dates|date=November 2019}} {{Use Nigerian English|date=August 2023}} {{Infobox musical artist | name = Mercy Chinwo | image = Mercy Chinwo.jpg | image_size = | alt = | caption = | native_name = | native_name_lang = | birth_name = Mercy Nnenda Chinwo | alias = | birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1991|09|05|df=y}} | birth_place = | origin = | death_date = <!-- {{death date and age|df=yes|YYYY|MM|DD|YYYY|MM|DD}} (death date 1st) --> | death_place = | genre = {{hlist|Gospel|Igbo Christian music|contemporary gospel|worship}} | occupation = {{hlist|Singer|songwriter|actress}} | instrument = Vocals | years_active = 2017–present | label = {{hlist|GNT Nation|EeZee Conceptz (former)}} | current_member_of = Lighthill Music | spouse = {{marriage|Blessed Uzochikwa|2022}} | website = | associated_acts = | notable_instruments = }} '''Mercy Nnenda Chinwo''' ({{Audio|LL-Q33578 (ibo)-Achalugo2009-Mercy Chinwo.wav|Listen|help=no}}; born 5 September 1990), known professionally as '''Mercy Chinwo''' or '''Mercy Chinwo-Blessed''', is a Nigerian gospel singer, songwriter, and actress. She gained recognition after winning the second season of ''Nigerian Idol''. In 2017, she signed a recording contract with EeZee Conceptz. Chinwo has released the albums ''The Cross: My Gaze'' (2018), ''Satisfied'' (2020), ''Overwhelming Victory'' (2024), and ''In His Will'' (2025).
==Life and career == Mercy Nnenda Chinwo was born on 5 September 1990,<ref>{{Cite news |date=2022-09-10 |title=Gospel singer, Mercy Chinwo, gets SUV as birthday gift |url=https://guardian.ng/saturday-magazine/gospel-singer-mercy-chinwo-gets-suv-as-birthday-gift/ |location=Lagos, Nigeria|access-date=2023-02-23 |newspaper=The Guardian|language=en-US}}</ref> in Rivers State, Nigeria. She started singing in the children's choir at her church when she was six years old.<ref>{{Cite news |date=9 April 2012 |title=How Mercy Chinwo won Nigerian Idols |url=https://www.vanguardngr.com/2012/04/how-mercy-chinwo-won-nigerian-idols/ |location=Lagos, Nigeria|access-date=9 June 2019 |newspaper=Vanguard}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=8 July 2021 |title=How Nigerian gospel artiste Mercy Chinwo became a household name |url=https://gospelbaze.com.ng/tag/mercy-chinwo |location=Lagos, Nigeria|access-date=8 July 2021|newspaper=GospelBaze}}</ref> Chinwo earned a certificate while attending the Goodwill International School, and pursued her secondary education at Paradise International School.<ref name=":02">{{Cite news |last=Tariemi |first=Oreoritse |date=13 September 2022 |title=Mercy Chinwo celebrates one-month marriage anniversary |url=https://guardian.ng/life/mercy-chinwo-celebrates-one-month-marriage-anniversary/ |location=Lagos, Nigeria|access-date=13 September 2022|newspaper=The Guardian}}</ref> She is an alumna of the International Business Management Institute (IBMI), where she earned a degree in human resource management.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ola |first=Jide |date=2024-09-15 |title=Mercy Chinwo Biography: Age, Net Worth, Career, Awards, Ministry |url=https://www.naijapickup.com/mp3-music/artistes/mercy-chinwo/ |access-date=2024-09-15 |website=Trengezie |language=en-US}}</ref>
Chinwo gained recognition after winning the second season of ''Nigerian Idol'', and decided to pursue a career in gospel music after winning the competition. In 2017, she signed a record deal with EeZee Conceptz and released several successful songs and albums. Chinwo is considered a prominent figure in Nigerian gospel music, and is a minister.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2022-12-15 |title=Boomplay Recap 2022: Burnaboy, Ayra Starr, Asake, Mercy Chinwo are top artists |url=https://editor.guardian.ng/arts-2/boomplay-recap-2022-burnaboy-ayra-starr-asake-mercy-chinwo-are-top-artists/ |location=Lagos, Nigeria|access-date=2023-02-23 |newspaper=The Guardian|language=en-US}}</ref> In 2015, she released the singles "Testimony" and "Igwe". Two years later, she signed a recording contract with EeZee Conceptz, a record label founded by Eezee Tee.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Media |first=D. O. D. |date=2019-11-12 |title=Gospel Artiste of the Week: MERCY CHINWO |url=https://amenradio.net/artiste/mercy-chinwo/ |access-date=2020-05-24 |website=Daughters Of Destiny TV |language=en-US}}</ref> Chinwo's single "Excess Love" was released in 2018. Since establishing herself as a gospel act, she has been featured on a number of projects and has worked with artists such as JJ Hairson, Nathaniel Bassey, Chioma Jesus, Banky W, Joe Praize, Samsong, Moses Bliss, Oluwadunsin Oyekan, Judikay, and Preye Odede.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Mercy Chinwo gets signed to EeZee Conceptz Record Label {{!}} Gospelbuzz.com |url=https://gospelbuzz.com/mercy-chinwo-gets-signed-to-eezee-conceptz/ |access-date=9 June 2019 |website=gospelbuzz.com}}</ref>
In 2023, she and her husband established the MercyisBlessed Foundation, an NGO focused on helping underprivileged communities and youth development.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2022-11-21 |title=Lecrae, Ada Ehi, Mercy Chinwo, Frank Edwards, Limoblaze to headline RockFest 2.0 in Lagos |url=https://editor.guardian.ng/arts-2/lecrae-ada-ehi-mercy-chinwo-frank-edwards-limoblaze-to-headline-rockfest-2-0-in-lagos/ |location=Lagos, Nigeria|access-date=2023-02-23 |newspaper=The Guardian|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Abdullahi |first=Idowu |date=2024-07-15 |title=100 undergraduates benefit from Mercy Chinwo's scholarship |url=https://punchng.com/100-undergraduates-benefit-from-mercy-chinwos-scholarship/ |access-date=2025-10-04 |newspaper=The Punch|language=en-US}}</ref>
== Personal life == Chinwo married pastor Blessed Uzochikwa on 13 August 2022, in Port Harcourt.<ref name=":02" /> They currently reside in Lagos, Nigeria, and gave birth to their first child in 2023.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Royal |first=David O. |date=2022-08-14 |title=Gospel singer, Mercy Chinwo goes emotional as she walks down the aisle [Video] |url=https://www.vanguardngr.com/2022/08/gospel-singer-mercy-chinwo-goes-emotional-as-she-walks-down-the-aisle-video/ |location=Lagos, Nigeria|access-date=2022-08-16 |newspaper=Vanguard|language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2023-10-28 |title=Mercy Chinwo, husband welcome first child |url=https://punchng.com/mercy-chinwo-husband-welcome-first-child/ |access-date=2023-11-04 |newspaper=The Punch|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Ayodele |first=Racheal |date=2023-10-27 |title=Gospel singer Mercy Chinwo welcomes first child |url=https://dailypost.ng/2023/10/27/gospel-singer-mercy-chinwo-welcomes-first-child/ |location=Lagos, Nigeria|access-date=2023-11-04 |newspaper=Daily Post|language=en-US}}</ref>
== Achievements == *In 2012, Chinwo won the ''Nigerian Idol'' competition *In 2018, she was awarded the Best Gospel Artiste plaque at the Climax Awards.<ref>{{Cite web |date=23 August 2018 |title=Mercy Chinwo receives First Award |url=https://thelighteousness.wordpress.com/2018/08/23/mercy-chinwo-receives-first-award/ |access-date=9 June 2019 |website=Lighteousness Entertainment News}}</ref> *In 2019, at the first Africa Gospel Awards Festival, Chinwo won three awards: Africa Gospel New Artiste of the Year, Africa Gospel Female Artiste of the Year, and Africa Gospel Song of the Year for "Excess Love".<ref>{{Cite web |date=14 January 2019 |title=Africa Gospel Awards 2019: Full list of nominees |url=https://www.musicinafrica.net/magazine/africa-gospel-awards-2019-full-list-nominees |access-date=9 June 2019 |website=Music In Africa}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=4 April 2019 |title=AGAFEST 2019 Awards – Photos, event review and full list of winners |url=https://worshippersgh.com/agafest-2019-awards-photos-event-review-and-full-list-of-winners/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190609102624/https://worshippersgh.com/agafest-2019-awards-photos-event-review-and-full-list-of-winners/ |url-status=usurped |archive-date=9 June 2019 |access-date=9 June 2019 |website=WorshippersGh}}</ref> Moreover, she won the ABGMA International Psamlist of the Year award.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2019 |url=https://www.soarisemusic.com/2019.html |access-date=2025-01-23 |website=Global Awards, Radio, Tv, Magazine, Promotion |language=en}}</ref> *In 2020, Chinwo won Gospel Artiste of the Year at the AFRIMMA Awards.<ref>{{cite news |last=Ugo |first=Chima |title=Cuppy, Simi, Rema are Winners at 2020 AFRIMMA Awards - #AFRIMMA2020 |language=en |newspaper=Prime 9ja Online|url=https://www.prime9ja.com.ng/2020/11/cuppy-simi-rema-are-winners-at-2020.html |access-date=2022-09-26}}</ref> *In 2022, she won Africa Gospel Music of the Year at CLIMA Africa Awards, and Afrobeat of the Year at the Antigua Barbuda Global Music & Media Awards.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2022-10-09 |title=Sinach, Aity Dennis, Mercy Chinwo for CLiMAS AFRICA AWARDS 2022 Today |url=https://tribuneonlineng.com/sinach-aity-dennis-mercy-chinwo-for-climas-africa-awards-2022-today/ |access-date=2023-11-04 |newspaper=Nigerian Tribune|language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Adeyinka |first=Oluwamayowa |date=2022-06-16 |title=Chidinma, Mercy Chinwo, Sinach, Others Bag 'Gospel Artist Of The Year' At CLIMA Africa Awards 2022 {{!}}Full List |url=https://www.withinnigeria.com/entertainment/2022/06/16/chidinma-mercy-chinwo-sinach-others-bag-gospel-artist-of-the-year-at-clima-africa-awards-2022-full-list/ |access-date=2023-11-04 |website=ENTERTAINMENT — WITHIN NIGERIA |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=ABGMA 2022 Winners |url=https://www.soarisemusic.com/uploads/1/7/6/9/17692349/abgma_2022_award_winners.pdf |website=ABGMA}}</ref> * In 2023, Chinwo won Female Gospel Music Artiste of the Year at the Golden Star Awards.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Abulude |first=Samuel |date=2023-06-25 |title=Mercy Chinwo Soars, Bags 2 Awards In June |url=https://leadership.ng/mercy-chinwo-soars-bags-2-awards-in-june/ |access-date=2025-04-15 |language=en-US|newspaper=Leadership}}</ref> * In 2025, she won Best Inspirational Single for "You Do This One" at The Headies.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.bbc.com/pidgin/articles/c62je7k97nro.amp | title=Headies Award 2025 winners full list: Davido, Odumodu BLVCK, Tems, Rema and odas wey win for di 17th edition| access-date=30 April 2025 |website=BBC }}</ref>
== Discography == '''Studio albums''' *''The Cross: My Gaze'' (2018) *''Satisfied'' (2020) *''Overwhelming Victory'' (2024) *''In His Will'' (2025) '''EPs''' *''Elevated'' (2023)
=== Singles === {| class="wikitable" |+ !Year !Title !Ref |- |2014 |"Testimony" | |- |2016 |"Igwe" | |- | rowspan="4" |2018 |"Excess Love" | |- |"Omekanaya" | |- |"Chinedum" | |- |"No More Pain" | |- |rowspan="3" |2019 |"Power Belongs to Jesus" | |- |"Akamdinelu" | |- |"Oh Jesus" | |- |rowspan="4" |2020 |"Obinasom" | |- |"Kosi" | |- |"Tasted Of Your Power" | |- |"Na You Dey Reign" | |- |2021 |"Yahweh" | |- |rowspan="2" |2023 |"Wonder" | |- |"You Do This One" |<ref>{{Cite news |last=Erezi |first=Dennis |date=2023-10-31 |title=Mercy Chinwo Drops New Single 'You Do This One' |url=https://editor.guardian.ng/life/music/mercy-chinwo-drops-new-single-you-do-this-one/ |location=Lagos, Nigeria|access-date=2023-11-04 |newspaper=The Guardian|language=en-US}}</ref> |- | rowspan="2" |2024 |"Give Me Chance" | |- |"We Move" | |- |2025 |"When You Say a Thing" |<ref>{{Cite web |title=When You Say A Thing lyrics - Mercy Chinwo |url=https://www.godlyrics.com.ng/2025/07/when-you-say-thing-lyrics-mercy-chinwo.html |access-date=2025-08-07 |language=en}}</ref> |}
== Filmography == *''House of Gold'' (2013)
==See also== * List of Nigerian gospel musicians * List of Nigerian musicians
==References== {{Reflist}} <references responsive="1"></references>
== External links == {{wikiquote}} {{authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Chinwo, Mercy}} Category:Singers from Port Harcourt Category:Nigerian gospel singers Category:Nigerian women singer-songwriters Category:21st-century Nigerian singer-songwriters Category:Living people Category:21st-century Nigerian women singers Category:Ikwerre people Category:Actresses from Port Harcourt Category:1990 births