Mercy Alu- Musical Artist

Tell us about yourself and your music

Mercy Alu is an author, singer, and songwriter from Nigeria, West Africa, who has written and recorded several musical works available through onsite music outlets and digital streaming platforms. She tells the African story through her music to the rest of the world. She serves on the board of the IAAAS,(International Association of African Authors and Scholars) an organization headquartered in Atlanta, U.S.A, focusing on capacity building, technical skills development for youth and women in developing countries, widows; and educational/writing skills workshops in the U.S.A through summits and writers workshops.

In 2020, Mercy was nominated by a celebrity panel of judges for the 4th annual Peace Song Awards, part of PPOE which was recognized in 2011 by the UN for an image considered one of the most iconic in the history of the UN. On September 21, Mercy has announced a winner in the World Music Category for her song “African Queen”, Public Voting.

Talk to us more about your latest release

The New EP release “Have It Your Way” comprises of five songs and will be available for online streaming in major digital outlets by October 18, 2020. The New Album project soon to be released, is the album “Amen”, an inspirational piece. The album includes the song “My Number One”, written by Mercy Alu and originally produced by Michael and Rena Day, of the “Champaign” Band. This version is produced by Grammy Award-winning Jimmy “Slam” Jones co-producer of “St Vincent” and Award-Winning Nigerian Producer Oga Otumala.

What inspired you to write this release?

This release is meant to provide more information about the new EP “Have It Your Way” coming to digital platforms on October 18th, 2020. It is also meant to bring information about work by this artist to music lovers and fans of Afro-Pop and to encourage potential support for the new album project. There is a recent crowdfunding campaign to support the production process for the new album. It can be found at Indiegogo under the “Amen Project”.

Describe the writing and recording process

The songs are written and arranged by Mercy Alu. The lead singing and vocals are also by the artist, although the project will provide opportunities for gifted youth who are unemployed to participate in various aspects of the production including Singing some background Vocals, Videoing, Editing, Engineering, Mastering, and Promotion. The videos and audio recordings are partially completed in the United States but also in Ghana, West Africa.

Any plans to release a video?

Any plans to hit the road?

Due to the Covid-19 Pandemic and present restrictions on gatherings, Mercy plans to hold an official production release by March of 2021 in Chicago and Atlanta U.S, and in Lagos Nigeria, Accra, Ghana. The logistics depend on the situation with the pandemic, but a virtual release hosted on Facebook is the alternative if onsite gatherings are not recommended. Support this project at this website location: https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/music-transforms-lives-campaign-amen-album?fbclid=IwAR16jPrFGhdD1ZVmf5ydgOURZzXlgeGJ3dooUPXV2uOUtD6PUjc32wQOKPI#/

Who have you been listening to lately?

I listen to Whitney Houston, Beyonce, Cece Wynans, Lauryn Hill, Eryka Badu, Macy Gray, Alicia Keys and other artists that bring some soul to the music. I listen to Reggae, Afro-beats, Afro-pop, and Congolese music too. So I have quite a few local and international artists I do listen to.

Who are your biggest influences?

I think Artists with soul inspire me. I can think of so may artists that I have admired like the Queen of Soul herself, Aretha Franklin, and other hip-hop, pop ballad artists like Alicia Keys, Beyonce, Eryka Badu, Lauryn Hill etc. I am inspired by some African artists as well like Yvonne Chaka Chaka, Brenda Fassie, Mirian Makeba, African Gospel Artists like Rebecca Maloope, Sinach etc.