Mercy Masika: The making of a gospel singer

A household name when it comes to Kenyan gospel music, Mercy Masika comes out as humble, brilliant, and ambitious. She is accommodating, a happy soul known to embrace people of all ages and from all walks of life.

The prolific gospel icon is popular for her hit songs, among them Mwema and Nifunze and her soulful voice has touched and inspired many lives both in her church ministry and public performances.

To many upcoming gospel singers, she is a mentor and she remains a role model to many young girls who look up to her and envy her colourful resume. She is also a grounded family person; both as a wife and mother.

Mercy started off as a Sunday school singer. She grew up in a family that was devoted to God and for her converting to Christianity was the natural path.

Having discovered her singing talent at a young age, she started composing and recording gospel songs. By the time she was finishing her first University degree, she had already risen to become one of Kenya's reputable gospel singers.

It is out of this deep engagement with people, especially the needy that she was in 2019 appointed as UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador in Kenya, a country that hosts close to 480,000 refugees and asylum seekers.

"We are extremely pleased to have Mercy Masika appointed as UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador here in Kenya having such a talented, well-respected, and inspiring woman help raise awareness and support for these people who have been forced to flee is immensely valuable," said Fathiaa Abdalla, UNHCR Representative in Kenya.

"Having visited Kakuma refugee camp and spending time with the refugee families living there, I have been most inspired by the strength of the women, many of whom have undergone traumatic ordeals. One woman I met shared with me her personal story of escaping violence in her village to find safety in Kenya. It is listening to these experiences that continues to affirm my commitment to advocate for their wellbeing," Masika said.

Since then, she has performed in several UNHCR events and continues to fly around the world preaching the message of peace.