My name is Mercy Ngozi Alu, and I am from Afikpo, in Imo State, Nigeria. I started in media when I was in primary school at Ikenegbu, Owerri, the same town I was born, with Imo Broadcasting Corporation. I hosted a kiddie radio program featuring my school. I have always been musically inclined. My parents were not really so musical, since my father has been a Professor at Imo State University for over twenty years, and now, Abia State University currently.
My album Jewels of Africa, has been featured on Voice Of America , one of the biggest worldwide media channels, and African Queen is currently helping in Darfur, Sudan, with rebuilding and overall reinstalling of the broken down education system. One of the workers, who is a Professor from the United States of America, sent there to assist with this rebuilding, Dr. Charles Kanyarusoke, a Ugandan, traced me to tell me that everytime my music plays on the radio, it is like a fresh breeze distraction from the fighting and rancor. Jewels of Africa was released under Elite-Platinum Entertainment, owned by Edward Tunde Abiola, (now late), one of the sons of Chief Abiola, former Presidential Candidate, Nigeria.
I have also travelled to the United States off and on, and have been doing some schooling there. I performed there when President Obasanjo came to visit in Atlanta, and usually my back up singers include Eryka, (also back up for Ziggy Marley). The National Television Authority Nigeria, covered the event. Afterwards, Lagos Weekend and other magazines/papers in Lagos said Onyeka Onwenu was my mentor along with Diana Ross. This isn't really true, since I have always admired Yvonne Chaka Chaka of SA, and Lucky Dube (another South African Artist) personally visited the U.S and encouraged me. He bought my album, Jewels of Africa, and maintains a place of honor in my personal photo album. I also have always admired Brenda Fassie, and booked the same venue in Washington D.C where she came to perform some years back. I use the same base guitarist as Majek Fashek, who is a mutual friend, now living in the United States, and also a Nigerian Artist. My album, Jewels of Africa, was performed in Atlanta, U.S, by Small Axe, a Liberian band headed by Sola Lewis, a Liberian Artist. All proceeds went towards the American Medical Team for Africa, in helping with Aids and Malaria. This past November, I helped the Nigerian Association of Public Professionals raise money to help support and fight AIDS in Africa. This organization is a non-profit.
My second Album is Ezigbo m, presently being marketed in Nigeria, beginning in the East, where I am from. Rivers State Television, Portharcourt, has been a good partner. It is currently playing on Ebonyi State Radio, and AIT, an independent television, is negotiating airplay. Edward Abiola, head of Elite Platinum Entertainment, is now late. I will either release my current project independently, or go with another company in Nigeria. I had spoken with BMI, New York, on a possible marketing contract. I have also been speaking with Mama G, of Amaco Investment, to possibly collaborate.
I have not given many interviews, but I have talked with some reputable media outlets. Angelinah Ada, of World Axxess show out of New York, and also some other media out of Britain and other parts of the United States, have talked with me.
I am proud to be African, and want to see better healthcare, more jobs, and plenty of progress in Africa. I just came back from Nigeria to the United States, from where I am writing.
I will be happy to support Museke in any way possible, so that you will continue to give a voice and a face to the music of Africa. Let me know what information you need from me for your website, and I will provide it if possible. Such information includes pictures, contacts, and other useful information.
Thanks
Mercy