Mary Alison Momoh is a gospel songwriter and singer, wife and mother of one amazing son. From the age of four, she was attracted to singing and fancied herself a singer. Her mother always sang as they did chores at home and when she went to church with her parents, there was some more singing. But Mary soon became captivated by the singing in a makeshift church across the street from her house. One day she would get the opportunity to attend this church, and there she would learn some more songs in addition to what she had learnt from her mother and at school. As she went through primary school, there were always musical festivals, and she was unfailingly a part of these because of her love for singing.
After secondary school, as she waited to begin university, she joined a music band and they travelled around the country singing but this did not last as Mary soon relocated to the United Kingdom. But in London, she soon joined a church and the choir and there were other opportunities for performing outside church services. It has been a journey of singing and learning and the journey is far from over but what is exciting is that Mary is currently living her dream and has just released her second album. In this interview, she shares her story of pursuing her dreams, the challenges she has faced and overcome and the fulfilment she derives from walking in her purpose. We are all here for something. For you, it may not be singing, but hopefully, Mary’s story inspires you to find your something and pursue it.
Tell me a little about yourself. Where were you born? Where did you grow up?
I am a child of God, a praise and worship leader, songwriter, wife, mother and soon to be a Human Nutrition graduate. I was born in Kampala, Uganda. I grew up in Makerere, a university town in Kampala, Uganda because my late father was a Professor of Veterinary Medicine and was lecturing at Makerere University.
Were your parents Christians?
My late father was a Protestant, and my mother was Catholic, though she gave her life to Jesus in 1996.
When and how did you become a Christian?
Across the road from our family home was a church. It was in the valley and built with reeds, wooden planks with no doors nor windows. There were several beautiful church buildings and chapels in our neighbourhood but what captivated me about this church in a makeshift structure was the music and the sound of drums every early Sunday morning. I would wake up to the sound of these drums, and my spirit would immediately come alive. I was 4 years old. I asked mummy to take me to that place where the drums were being played, but she said she was Catholic and she could not go to that church. Finally, after a year or so, having pined and longed to go to this place with this captivating music, one of my half-sisters came home and said she had been to the church and had given her life to Christ and was now born again. There was much debate about the statement she had made, but we carried on as a family. She was attending this church every Sunday and coming home to preach to us. I then one day asked if she could take me with her. I loved the way she spoke of God. At this time another half-brother and half-sister had joined her, and they would all go to this church. Having obtained permission from my mother to go with them to church, I followed them to church and a few years later, in 1989, officially confessed Jesus as my Lord and Saviour.
When and how did you meet your spouse?
I met my husband in VPA church in June 2010. I was new to the ministry, and he was one of my first friends in the ministry. He was part of the media team at the time, and I was a worship leader in the choir. I found him very kind and easy to talk to.
When and how did you get into the music ministry?
From a very tender age, I loved hearing my mommy sing. She sang at home while we did the chores. When I joined kindergarten and Sunday school, singing just made me happy. When I watched “music parade,” a music show on television at the time which just showed a compilation of music videos at the time, I fancied myself a singer. At primary and secondary school, I was in the school choir and performing in inter-class and inter-school Music, Dance and Drama competitions. During my school holidays before joining the university I joined a Christian band at the new church, I joined, and we ministered in Power. A few months later, I came to London on holiday. In that time, I joined a church choir at Agape Miracle centre in Deptford. It was intense training for me because we toured England and Wales ministering in churches, at festivals, and on streets. I loved it. After two years, God moved me to Liberty Christian Fellowship, now based in Camberwell, and I ministered with the choir for eight years before God moved me to VPA where I have been ministering in Praise and worship for seven years.
Why did you choose music?
Music makes me happy. Great songs minister to me in ways I cannot fully explain. Music is a great release and has powers of expression beyond human words.
How has this ministry impacted on your life?
Through music (Praise and Worship), God has drawn me closer to Himself. During those intimate moments in His presence, tears running down my face as I worship; God has answered prayer, lifted burdens off my shoulders, comforted me, revealed Himself to me, taught me His Word, healed my brokenness, strengthened me, made ways where there was no way, levelled mountains on my behalf and made crooked ways straight.
What is the most rewarding thing you have done thus far, and why it was rewarding?
Being a wife and a mother. Loving someone and accepting to be loved is a deep mystery; a beautiful and rewarding mystery. Then bringing life into the earth by the Grace and mercy of God, is the ultimate mystery. I never thought I could love so deeply, as the day Isaac was laid on my chest after giving birth to him before they even washed him. He was laid on my chest and having endured 14 intense and painful hours in labour; I thought I would give him a piece of my mind when he came out. Instead, I was just filled with love and gratitude to God when I looked at his face and our eyes locked. I was struck by how beautiful he was and how intensely he looked at me. I still remember that day like it was yesterday. Giving love to my family and seeing them flourish under God’s Grace is so rewarding.
What challenge or challenges have you overcome and how?
There have been some heart-breaking moments in life like the passing of my father in 2007. No one ever believed Daddy would die and die young. He was a strong man!! 2007 and 2008 were really tough. Remembering every memory of dad (RIP) from my childhood to his deathbed, felt like I was being crushed with despair on the inside of me. I had to learn to cast my cares on Jesus because He cares for me. His shoulders can carry all my burdens. I was crumbling inside until I decided to give my pain, tears, regret, sadness, confusion, and fears to God and He truly gave me rest.
In hindsight, what would you do differently?
I would throw fear and doubt out of the window and use ALL the gifts and talents God has given me to do great things for the LORD.
Apart from your salvation, what is your biggest testimony of God’s faithfulness in your life?
Keeping my mother alive against all the odds. The day my mother gave her life to Jesus in 1996, having been a staunch Catholic since birth, was one of the happiest days of my life. I knew God would guide, protect and provide for her. I didn’t have to be sick with worry for her ever again. She is in God’s hands, surrounded by His love, mercy, and protection. I think of her daily but not with fear and worry like before 1996.
How has God received the Glory through your life?
Every day, I allow God to work in my life and gain Glory for Himself. My life is not my own; it is His to do with as He wills. Like Mary said in Luke 1:38 “I am the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word.”
What can followers of your ministry and your fans expect from you in the months and years to come?
More singles, albums, and collaborations with other Gospel artists.
Where can people get more information about you?
I am on social media platforms; Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Linkedin.
