Overwhelming Victory stands as a wholesome project, with Mercy Chinwo mostly sticking to the familiar while sprinkling a few surprises in the mix.
By Emmanuel Okoro
Mercy Chinwo’s journey in the Nigerian gospel music scene has been nothing short of extraordinary, marked by commercial success and international acclaim. With her latest album, Overwhelming Victory, she continues to cement her status as a class act in the industry. This is not only reflected in her music alone but also her fashion sense, as she often adopts a signature gown with a beret as an accessory.
Since her victory in the second edition of Nigerian Idol in 2012, Chinwo has soared to great heights, gracing the airwaves with one anthem after another. While her debut single, “Testimony” in 2015 laid the foundation, it was the 2018 smash hit, “Excess Love”, that truly propelled her to stardom and garnered international attention. With subsequent releases like 2018’s “Omekanaya” and “Bor Ekom”, and 2020’s “Chinedum”, “Akamdinelu”, and “Obinasom”, she has consistently delivered modern classics. Collaborations with top gospel musicians such as JJ Hairston, Nathaniel Bassey, Joe Praize, Dunsin Oyekan, and Chioma Jesus, and making appearances in Gospel-themed events such as The Experience have further expanded her reach and influence.
Overwhelming Victory marks Chinwo’s third album following the critically acclaimed The Cross: My Gaze in 2018, Satisfied in 2020, and the Elevated EP released last year. Spanning 12 tracks, the album predominantly features Chinwo with a background choir, and one-third of the tracks recorded live. Throughout the project, she explores themes of thanksgiving, deep reflection, and worship of the divine.
The curtain opens with “Only You Satisfy” and sees the singer, in typical fashion, deliver a ballad of devotion over mild piano chords and shakers. She passionately expresses her reliance on Jesus as her ultimate source of satisfaction. While the song may lean towards repetition in its lyrical structure, her velvety vocals, complemented by rich background harmonies, elevate the listening experience, drawing listeners into a deep sense of intimacy with God.
“I’m in Awe” comes next, characterised by dynamic bass guitar riffs, soaring violin runs, and steady, looped drums. Her vocals are measured yet beautifully expressive as she extols the awesomeness of God. She and her background choir meld their vocals, creating a wholesome and immersive listening experience. The live recording adds a unique energy to the song, with the audience audibly joining in worship as she leads them.
“More Than Enough” is a quintessential Chinwo tune, as it sees the singer sticking to the familiar and doesn’t strain her vocals while professing her love to the God Almighty over a groovy, mid-tempo tune. Her verses spell intimacy and oneness with God with lines like “Every detail of my life won’t be complete without you/ You are more than enough, more than enough for me o”. Clocking in with the longest runtime on Overwhelming Victory is the live recording of “Amaram Onyewem”. Here, the music is stripped down, showcasing her vocal prowess like never before on the project. She is joined by Pastor Jerry Eze, renowned for hosting the daily New Season Prophetic Prayers and Declarations (NSPPD), who delivers a prayer session.
Chinwo’s knack for delivering gospel anthems continues to shine through in “You Do This One”, which slides effortlessly into the line-up next. This groovy composition is characterised by lively lead guitar runs and traditional percussive elements, creating a vibrant atmosphere. The singer uses this track to express her gratitude to the creator for the testimonies in her life. The song exudes a cheerful and celebratory vibe, and it won’t be surprising if this song ends up as another modern-day classic in her repertoire.
Transitioning to “My Lover”, the singer showcases her versatility by infusing reggae elements into her sound. Live instrumentation takes centre stage, with dynamic bass guitar runs and vibrant drum rolls adding depth and energy to the track. She effortlessly switches between English and Nigerian Pidgin, creating a dynamic call-and-response atmosphere that invites listeners to join in praise and adoration.
I am deeply drawn to “Oke Mmiri”, one of the lead singles from the album, as it brings back the same spine-tingling sensation I felt when I first encountered it during a choir performance some weeks ago. In this track, the singer offers an intimate worship to God, drawing listeners into a sacred moment. The live arrangement of music adds an irresistible charm, with the singer effortlessly navigating the beat, making it an unforgettable experience. Up next is “My Future and My Hope”, a slow-tempo tune carried by numb violin strings. The song is an ode of total surrender and devotion, as she and her backup sing, “Jesus, Jesus, everything I am is yours/ Jesus, Jesus, all I’ll ever be is You”.
Chinwo teams up with veteran musician, Chioma Jesus, on “Too Many Reasons”, a song where both musicians find themselves thankful for all the things that God has done for them. It is particularly danceable and easy to understand. Chioma Jesus injects dynamism into the track with a performance that is reminiscent of her heydays. A standout moment on Overwhelming Victory is the Highlife record, “From the Rising”. The singer effortlessly glides over its exquisite production, evoking a dose of nostalgia reminiscent of the timeless Highlife music emanating from the Southern region of Nigeria but also delivering an uplifting message of praise.
“Not the Same” sees Chinwo reflect on her life and the transformative power of relying on the divine. She emphasises how encountering God has irrevocably changed her life and rewritten her story, contrasting the fallibility of humans with the unwavering faithfulness of God. Her masterful vocal riffs and runs add depth and emotion to the track. The album ends with “Father”, a fusion of Afrobeats and Amapiano elements. Set against a backdrop of log drums, shakers, and infectious grooves, Chinwo passionately sings about God’s boundless love and her unique connection with Him, drawing inspiration from the book of John 17:21.
Overwhelming Victory stands as a wholesome project, with Mercy Chinwo mostly sticking to the familiar while sprinkling a few surprises in the mix. The album benefits greatly from excellent production, allowing her vocal prowess and delivery to shine through on each track. As such, the strength of the compositions brings her vision to life, with backup singers complementing her performance with precision in harmonies. Since her departure from EeZee Concepts and joining GNT Nation, there have been concerns that her sound might take a hit. However, these concerns are laid to rest with this project, as she continues to prove that she’s a force to be reckoned with.
Gospel music, particularly in Nigeria, often faces commercial pressures to appeal to a diverse audience. With this project, Chinwo maintains an air of authenticity, solidifying her position as one of Nigeria’s leading gospel artistes.
Lyricism – 1.3
Tracklisting – 1.3
Sound Engineering – 1.4
Vocalisation – 1.8
Listening Experience – 1.4
Rating – 7.2/10
Emmanuel ‘Waziri’ Okoro is a content writer and journo with an insatiable knack for music and pop culture. When he’s not writing, you will find him arguing why Arsenal FC is the best football club in the multiverse. Connect with him on X, Instagram, and Threads: @BughiLorde.