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Mercy's Bday: Music Release + Miss Nigeria USA

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Hello Beautiful People! 


Thank you for being here :)  As You see in the title My Birthday is coming up! Usually I have a bit of anxiety about getting older but this year I'm just feeling grateful grateful grateful! 

I am excited for whats in store this new year and believe  it's going to be a great year for all of us! Please take a few minutes to read up on what I have coming up and how I would love for you to be involved. 

Well first things first I'm releasing My debut single "MRCY" in a few weeks! I have been recording covers and freestyles for a few years now and I am so so excited to be releasing some original work. 

As some of You may know I went to Nigeria early last year for about 3 months to scope out the music scene and network. The trip was a roller coaster, but overall it was very beneficial.

I made many contacts with great people and learned about the ins and outs of the music industry in Africa. I also unexpectedly got invited to radio stations, interviews, to perform, and also got in the studio and recorded "MRCY"! 

I want to make sure that I release the single properly and that it gets heard! 

These are some of the expenses I have created a budget for:

Mix Mastering
Licensing 
Marketing and Promotion 
Cover Art
Music blog  placements
Affiliate Marketing 
Street mix placements 
Listening Party
Video Shoot
Merch

I plan to release it in Nigeria and also have it available on all online platforms. I have already purchased my ticket so I'm going whether rain or shine but my possibilities depends on your support.


I am also very excited to have been selected as a finalist to compete for Miss Nigeria USA 2019! 


The pageant is taking place in May and will be held in New York City!
(More info on the pageant can be found at www.missnigeriausa.com) 

I've never participated in a pageant before, but I wouldn't say that it's way off from my character lool. . .It's something I've been wanting to do for a while now and would love to use the platform to inspire others, and take action towards bridging the gap between Africans and Africans in the Diaspora. 

Being a Nigerian American I have an inside scope of both worlds, and I see a disconnect which is simply caused by being uninformed and misinformed. I would like to work with others to help bridge the gap because I truly believe unity is a major piece missing in the puzzle of our greatness.  I plan to bridge the gap with my artistry as well showcasing African culture in a way that is relatable to those overseas or don't know much about the culture. 


I have already started on this mission by talking about it with My African American and Nigerian friends in Nigeria and overseas. It is clear there has been a lack of education in this area on both ends and that is why there is so much confusion about who we are. We are Same.

The pageant expenses are as follows:
 
Sponsor fee
Travel
Costumes, hair, and makeup


The total amount I’m asking for both causes is $13,000


Here is what I’m looking to accomplish 

1. Successful “MRCY” release
2. “MRCY” music video
3. Win Miss Nigeria USA :) :)

Ok so guys I don't have much time. 12 days to be exact! I know. . .Wild! 
This campaign will end Jan 30th when I leave to Nigeria so biko act urgently! 

Why so last minute?
I was scared! Lool


I now realize that it’s ok to ask, and those who want to help will. 




Who will benefit?


Everyone who believes in spreading love, light, and inspiring others

Africans as a whole

Humanity... one step at a time... 

I’m actually tearing up as I’m writing this because I realize that this is something I have to do to move forward. I have been running from this very thing thinking I could do it all by myself and then you all would see me and be proud. 

I thought I could come up with the funds on my own. I thought I could figure it all out on my own. Even if so..getting the money or figuring it out on my own doesn’t beat support. Support is priceless. Every dollar You give will not only go towards my dream but it’ll also encourage me and put a bit more kindness in the world. 

When I say help this is what I mean..


Leaving a comment
Contributing whatever You can
Share my story with others 
Prayers are priceless. 


Thanks for reading. I truly appreciate You!



You can read a little more about Me and My journey below 





BIO



Mercy was born in San Diego Ca. to two Nigerian parents from Anambra State. She is the youngest of seven girls named Grace, Love, Peace, Joy, and Patience. As a child Mercy was very playful and vibrant and loved to dance and sing. As she entered grade school Mercy became very shy. She would only sing when she was alone.

Mercy always had a natural pull toward music and believed she had a voice but wasn't sure until the day she participated in a talent competition at Highland elementary school in Inglewood Ca at age 9.  She won the competition and got a special prize. From then Mercy knew she wanted to sing and perform, but was still very shy.

As the years went on Mercy focused on school and making money. At the young age of 11 Mercy was very independent and hustling to make her own lunch money or buy fresh pair of Nikes. She started off learning how to braid and style her own hair and soon after she had clients at her middle school and expanded from there.

Mercy did everything from styling hair, selling chips and candy, bagels, and even stopping at the doughnut shop early mornings to buy dozens of doughnuts to sell before class. Mercy always had a thing for fashion and creativity and hustled to be able to buy fashionable clothes and have her dream prom dress made. 

One day Mercy decided to come out of her shell and upload a video on Facebook of herself singing in her room. The video went viral and close friends and family were shocked at her voice as she had kept it under wraps until then.



After high school Mercy studied at Cal State University Dominguez Hills with a major in Psychology and a minor in Sociology and Dance. She also worked full time while attending college at retail companies such as Abercrombie and Fitch, Victorias Secret, Bakers footwear. She also worked as a taxi Dispatcher and Canvasser for a construction company going door to door asking people if they would like to improve their home.

While she studied and hustled her passion for music did not cease. She continued to sing covers, and work on her craft. She also wrote a song and shot a video "Barbie N Ken" (solely funded) and began performing live at venues such as GS lounge, House of Blues Hollywood, and the Viper Room.


 


While in college Mercy rekindled her love for dance. She took ballet and tap classes as a child but had to discontinue because her parents couldn't afford it at the time. Fast forward decades later Mercy registered for dance classes and found what was lost. She studied ballet, jazz, and belly dance and participated in school dance concerts and talent shows winning first place 2 years in a row.

Check out some snippets of MRCYU live dance breaks below 



Toward the end of her college career Mercy felt overwhelmed with her coursework and decided to give music a break and focus on working and getting her degree. She graduated with a Bachelors in Psychology with a minor in Sociology and Dance. Instead of law school Mercy decided to go ahead and pursue music full time and hasn't looked back since.

As a child Mercy was always afraid to visit her home country because of the stories she heard and how the media potrayed Africa. She also had a huge fear of airplanes. Although she had never been to the actual country she still had a very strong Nigerian community around her and felt strong connection to the culture. With the rise of afrobeats Mercy became even more excited and intrigued by her country's culture and talents. In 2015 Mercy visited Nigeria for the first time and has visited several times since. 

Last year Mercy decided to go to Nigeria for 3 months to scope out the music scene and network. The trip was very successful and MRCYU ended up getting invited to radio stations, red carpet interviews, online interview, and got her freestyle to Mayorkun's "Mamma" played on radio and popular Lagos venues. She also performed live in Victoria Island and recorded her debut single "MRCY"  

MRCYU at Rhythm 93.7 

MRCYU at Happenings Radio

MRCYU visiting 99.9 FM the beat
MRCYU Live in Victoria Island

MRCYU being interviewed at TheNet NG



"MRCY" recorded in Ikeja and produced by upcoming producer 2flexing  can be described as a feel good JAM with a fusion of afrobeats, r&b, and highlife sounds. "MRCY" is sure to make You dance! 

MRCYU is particularly excited about this song because she feels like when she sings it she is blessing people and when people listen to it they are being blessed with more mercy. The song  also touches on her struggles as a Nigerian American independent Artist pursuing her passion. Look out for this Jam dropping early Feb  and stay tuned for what this untapped talent has to come.
  




Donations 

  • Urenda Family
    • $200 
    • 5 yrs

Organizer

Mercy Chukwunonso Udechukwu
Organizer
Gardena, CA

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