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The Sierra Leone Female Musicians Union has proudly presented Zainab Sheriff’s latest song, “Have Mercy,” a powerful musical appeal addressed to the Government of Sierra Leone.
The song comes as a call for compassion and renewed attention to the case of the popular musician, model and political activist, who is currently serving a prison sentence following her conviction on charges of incitement and threatening language arising from remarks made at a political rally.
Zainab Sheriff was arrested on February 20, 2026, following remarks she made at an All People’s Congress (APC) political rally in Freetown on January 31. She was subsequently convicted of incitement and threatening language and sentenced to four years and two months in prison, with the sentences running concurrently.
Sheriff has maintained her innocence, arguing that her comments were intended to discourage electoral malpractice rather than incite violence. Her defence team subsequently filed an appeal challenging both her conviction and sentence.
The High Court has allowed the appeal to proceed after rejecting a State application seeking to have the case dismissed on procedural grounds. Sheriff’s lawyers have raised 19 grounds of appeal, challenging issues including the lower court’s jurisdiction, the conduct of the trial, and the severity of the sentence.
The case has continued to attract public attention, particularly around freedom of expression, political speech and the participation of women in national politics.
Meanwhile, concerns have also emerged over Sheriff’s health while in custody. In August 2026, the Sierra Leone Correctional Service dismissed rumours of her death, confirming that she was alive but had complained of illness. The Service said she received medical attention and was recovering well.
Against this backdrop, the Sierra Leone Female Musicians Union is rallying behind Sheriff through “Have Mercy,” describing the initiative as a demonstration of women supporting women, voices uplifting voices, and music uniting us.
The union is calling on the public to stand together and give Zainab Sheriff the love, support and encouragement she deserves as she continues to navigate her legal and personal challenges.
Through “Have Mercy,” the Female Musicians Union is not only celebrating the power of music but also using the voices of women in the entertainment industry to amplify a message of compassion and solidarity.
