The Mercy & Ike show is Africa Magic’s new reality show that follows the love story of Mercy Eke, winner of the 2019 Big Brother Naija show, and former housemate, Ike Onyeama. The show premiered last week April 26th, 2020, but another exciting episode was aired yesterday.
Mercy and Ike have been an item from the Big Brother Naija house but sustaining a relationship outside the house is another matter entirely. The influences of family and culture can sometimes take a toll on relationships, and this episode has got us wondering if indeed their love will survive the real world.
In this new episode, we meet Ike’s cousin, Ikechukwu. Some dedicated BBNaija fans put together a thoughtful gift for Mercy and Ike – they made a portrait and a photo book depicting Mercy and Ike’s time in the BBN house. Ike was quite impressed with the thought and effort that went into putting the photobook together.
Ike is talking with his cousin, and then drops the bombshell – he wants to move in with Mercy. Ikechukwu must have Ike repeat himself before he is certain that Ike is not joking.
Ikechukwu then explains that he thinks it’s wrong for a man to move into his woman’s apartment, especially as they are not married or engaged yet. Ikechukwu thinks people will consider Ike to be irresponsible if he moves in with his girlfriend, but Ike doesn’t see it as a big deal.
Mercy, Promise, and her personal assistant, Glory make plans for the housewarming party and call an event planner to make arrangements. The timeline is short, so Mercy is excited and nervous at the same time.
In this episode, we get to meet more of Ike’s family. Mercy drops in to visit Ike just in time to meet his Aunt Cleopatra, who is also visiting him at that time. Aunt Cleopatra already loves Mercy and tells her that she’ll be preparing a special Igbo delicacy, ugba, for the party.
Fun fact: Ike finds it difficult to pronounce Mercy’s Igbo name, Chinenyenwa. His aunt and Mercy find this hilarious.
Mercy tells Aunt Cleopatra that Ike has a side chick in Owerri, but Ike laughingly explains that the girl just happened to be at the club with him, nothing more. Aunt Cleopatra reassures Mercy that Ike would never play games with her.
Mercy thinks Ike has too many female friends, but it’s not a problem as long as he continues to respect her. Ike, on the other hand, doesn’t think Mercy should be jealous or worried about anyone.
He shows her the portrait and photobook, and they both talk about how special the gifts from the fans make them feel, and about how looking at the photobook brought back all of the memories of their relationship in the BBNaija house.
Mercy and Ike have a discussion about living together. Mercy admits that they will probably keep fighting, and acknowledges that it is a huge step, but that she is ready for this move because she loves him.
Ike explains that he wouldn’t mind moving in with Mercy, but that if they weren’t engaged before moving in together, their families might raise eyebrows.
Later on, guests begin to arrive at Mercy’s house, and Mercy makes her entrance after getting all glammed up. Some of her guests are her personal friends, and former housemates – the Cubana Chief Priest makes a special appearance at the party as well.
When the party is in full swing, Mercy calls her friend, Diane away from her party and into her room to tell her that she and Ike plan to move together.
Mercy tells Diane that they are both down for it but are only indecisive about who will move in with who. Diane mentions that cultural influences and family could affect their decision but says that Mercy should go with what makes her happy.
Mercy gives a speech where she thanks her guests for coming over. She mentions her fulfillment in being the owner of such a beautiful home. It’s like a dream come true for her.
‘It was beautiful. It’s a dream come true. I felt like okay, you’ve accomplished a lot. Like you’re really doing good…They’re not just visiting, they’re coming to your home! I feel really good about myself. And I feel like everything has paid off,’ she says.
Ike’s aunts and cousin come in with a cooler of ugba in tow. Ike’s aunts chat with Promise, Mercy’s elder sister, and obviously approve of Mercy and Ike’s relationship. Promise later explains that their bringing the ugba is a sign of respect and symbolizes a bond between both their families.
In the teaser for the next episode, Mercy is in tears and says sometimes she just wants to relax and be taken care of. Looks like there’s trouble in paradise already.
Do you think Mercy and Ike’s relationship will survive the pressures of the real world? You can find out in the next episode.
Mercy & Ike airs on Sundays at 6.30 PM on Africa Magic Showcase Channel 151, with a repeat broadcast on Africa Magic Urban CH 153 on Mondays at 9:30 PM, while Africa Magic Family CH 154 viewers are not left out on Sundays at 6:00 PM
