Mercy Masika: I finally found the street boy who sang my song
Mercy Masika is arguably one of the most successful gospel singers in the country. The mother of one who was recently awarded the best female artiste of the year at the Groove Awards ceremony talked to Nairobi News about her career, success and future projects.
1. A video of a street boy singing to your hit son ‘Mwema’ went viral on social media, how did it feel to see that boy do a rendition of your song?
It was amazing seeing the talent in the boy. I was just humbled that my song was able to reach all corners of the country and be able to inspire a street kid to even learn the lyrics to the song. It made me start thinking what was his purpose in life and what God has planned for him.
2. You posted a video asking for anyone who knows the whereabouts of the boy to contact you, did you find him?
Yes, I finally found him and I met him, he has a guardian. Actually a friend of mine took him in. We found him in Kisumu, and he is now in Nairobi. He is a very charming boy and we just want to nurture this talent that he has in singing.
3. Although your music career started 11 years ago some people only recognize you with the song ‘Mwema’ and not Amukomete which you released in 2002, so where were you during this period?
I was still singing, only that there was no hit song. I released songs but they dint quite hit, but I was singing in church. And also I have never been after a hit song, I was just doing the work of God and so having a hit song was a blessing.
4. Singing gospel did it come naturally, or was it a decision?
I can say it was a little bit of both. When you are young there is always that temptation to look the other way, so at that point it was a decision and it came naturally because I had chosen Christ at a tender age.
5. What do you hate about being a celebrity?
I choose to be more thankful, of course privacy is not as much But I am not complaining, at least they (the fans) are friendly. I mean, I love and appreciate it because there was a time no one wanted to take a picture with me.
6. What is your take on this perception that the public has on most gospel singers that they should present themselves in a way different from others?
I think we are all different and it is not just the people who are not born again that judge even the church people judge. I think we should leave the judging to God. And I realize you might think you understand something and you don’t. It is better to leave it alone if you don’t get it, and leave it to God.
7. Future projects?
I have a new song that I have released and working on the video, it’s called Mkono wa Bwnaa. And yeah, releasing more and more songs.
