Mercy Masika was probably the most surprised winner at the recent Groove Awards. But she shouldn’t have been – hers has become a much mentioned name this year, ever since she released the chart-topping Milele in January. This vocal powerhouse had been silent musically for quite a while, since releasing the hits Nisamehe and Amokomete, and fans have been ecstatic about her return.

Now working on her second album, Mercy is certainly back, wiser, more focused and sounding better than ever before. We caught up with her to talk about her wins, and what she’s up to. In the process, she allowed us an exclusive download of her latest jam, Milele, available right here!

To Download Milele, CLICK HERE.

Check out the interview.

Mwafrika.com: Hey Mercy, how’ve you been since we spoke last? That was in November last year.
Mercy: I’ve been good, had a tough start to the year like everyone else. I was actually stuck upcountry because of the violence, but I made it back sometime in January. Then I released Milele in that month. I must say Milele absolutely surprised me.

Mw: How so?
M: I can’t quite understand its success yet. But it was a special song, with every word there personal. It’s one of those tracks that I’d say are God-given…I also feel like it was a bit different from anything I’ve done before – people are used to me singing in kao, and the style was also different. I’m glad people loved it!

Mw: Let’s talk about the Groove Awards. You walked away with two coveted prizes – female artist of the year and the overall artist of the year award. How was the experience for you?
M: You know, I think God just has a sense of humor. Before the announcement was made, I was seated next to (Marion) Shako and Eunice (Njeri). They’d both gone ahead of me to receive their awards, and I was sure that was all. I remember thinking I should ask Eunice to give me one of her LG TVs so I don’t feel left out! And then they called my name…I have never been so shocked!

Mw: Were you surprised, or did you expect it?
M: Female artist of the year did not surprise me very much; I thought I had good chances of winning that one. But artist of the year…wow, that was a shocker. I was sure (someone else) was going to win it.

Mw: Why do you think so many people voted for you, what would you credit the success to?
M: God, first and foremost. And then I think it mostly has to do with Milele and the fact that people really loved it. I think that played a big part.

Mw: What does this mean for your career?
M: Honestly, this was very encouraging for me – I mean, I’ve been singing for awhile now and I think it tells me that my work is being appreciated. It’s an indication for me that what I’m doing is not in vain, that to some extent, I’m being effective. I also think it’s the beginning of greater things, and an opportunity that God has given me. I think I have a long way to go. Let me also say that awards like this give one a reason to keep going – truth is, in this industry, there are not very many reasons to keep doing what we do. Very few, especially in the Church, have the revelation that they need to support the gift. So much talent is dying because no one is supporting them…we need all the support we can get. That’s why I’m very thankful for Groove Awards; it’s a step in the right direction in recognizing the efforts of artists.

Mw: Where to, from here?
M: I want to take my place as an influence to my generation. I’m hoping and praying that I can get past the Church walls, and reach beyond. That my music will make a difference in the society...not just listened to by Christians.

Mw: Ok, tell us a bit about your second album. How is that going?
M: Hm. It’s going well. I had hoped that we’d have it earlier, but as it is now, I’m looking at having it ready towards the end of the year.

Mw: What’s the album called, and what tracks can we expect on it?
M: I haven’t decided yet, but it’ll probably be called Milele. I’m hoping to have about 10 tracks on it, and five of those are finished. In fact, I’ll probably be releasing another single soon.

Mw: Your first album was very river-road oriented – will we see more diversity on this one?
M: Certainly. For one, my first album was over six years ago. I’m much different musically and the new album will be more geared towards a younger (urban) audience.  The style will be pre-dominantly Milele-like…I think the whole album will be very enjoyable.

Mw: Alright. Finally, any other plans for the near future?
M: Main thing is a concert I’m planning for July. I’ll be giving more information on that later.

Mw: Thanks a lot for sparing the time to speak with us.
M: Thank you!

To Download Milele, CLICK HERE.

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