


Downtown Music Publishing Launches in Africa
Downtown Music Publishing expands into Africa through Sheer Publishing rebrand.
Downtown Music Publishing (DMP) has launched in Africa, following the rebranding of Sheer Publishing Africa.
The Background
Sheer was founded in 1996 and has built a deep catalog of South African compositions and international titles. DMP parent Downtown Music Holdings bought Sheer in 2020.
A statement says Downtown Music Publishing Africa (DMPA) is more than just a "visual refresh" of Sheer, and "marks a deeper alignment with the global vision of Downtown Music Publishing."
DMPA will be led by Managing Director Thando Makhunga, who joined Sheer as MD in 2022.
New Opportunities
DMPA will gain access to Downtown's worldwide infrastructure, including technology, royalty administration and client services, unlocking new opportunities for creators across the continent.
It will introduce Neighboring Rights administration, creating new income streams for performers and rights holders across Africa.
It will be the first African publisher to implement Curve, Downtown's global royalty accounting system, which offers transparency, efficiency and real-time access to earnings.
Outdated contracts will be replaced with agreements designed around each creator's goals.
What They Said
MD Thando Makhunga: "African music is shaping the global sound, and we're here to ensure that royalty flows across borders – giving creators the remuneration and respect they deserve."
Downtown Music Publishing (DMP) has launched in Africa, following the rebranding of Sheer Publishing Africa.
The Background
Sheer was founded in 1996 and has built a deep catalog of South African compositions and international titles. DMP parent Downtown Music Holdings bought Sheer in 2020.
A statement says Downtown Music Publishing Africa (DMPA) is more than just a "visual refresh" of Sheer, and "marks a deeper alignment with the global vision of Downtown Music Publishing."
DMPA will be led by Managing Director Thando Makhunga, who joined Sheer as MD in 2022.
New Opportunities
DMPA will gain access to Downtown's worldwide infrastructure, including technology, royalty administration and client services, unlocking new opportunities for creators across the continent.
It will introduce Neighboring Rights administration, creating new income streams for performers and rights holders across Africa.
It will be the first African publisher to implement Curve, Downtown's global royalty accounting system, which offers transparency, efficiency and real-time access to earnings.
Outdated contracts will be replaced with agreements designed around each creator's goals.
What They Said
MD Thando Makhunga: "African music is shaping the global sound, and we're here to ensure that royalty flows across borders – giving creators the remuneration and respect they deserve."
Downtown Music Publishing (DMP) has launched in Africa, following the rebranding of Sheer Publishing Africa.
The Background
Sheer was founded in 1996 and has built a deep catalog of South African compositions and international titles. DMP parent Downtown Music Holdings bought Sheer in 2020.
A statement says Downtown Music Publishing Africa (DMPA) is more than just a "visual refresh" of Sheer, and "marks a deeper alignment with the global vision of Downtown Music Publishing."
DMPA will be led by Managing Director Thando Makhunga, who joined Sheer as MD in 2022.
New Opportunities
DMPA will gain access to Downtown's worldwide infrastructure, including technology, royalty administration and client services, unlocking new opportunities for creators across the continent.
It will introduce Neighboring Rights administration, creating new income streams for performers and rights holders across Africa.
It will be the first African publisher to implement Curve, Downtown's global royalty accounting system, which offers transparency, efficiency and real-time access to earnings.
Outdated contracts will be replaced with agreements designed around each creator's goals.
What They Said
MD Thando Makhunga: "African music is shaping the global sound, and we're here to ensure that royalty flows across borders – giving creators the remuneration and respect they deserve."
👋 Disclosures & Transparency Block
This article was selected by the author based on their judgement that it would be interesting to readers.
📨 Subscribe to NIF
Get news dropped in your inbox 👇
📨 Subscribe to NIF
Get news dropped in your inbox 👇
Related Articles

Deals & Signings
Jan 29, 2026
1 min read
Primary Wave Invests in Music Financing Platform RUN
It’s RUN’s first and “single-largest” investment since launching in 2023

Deals & Signings
Jan 28, 2026
1 min read
Fresh Ink: Conan Gray Joins Good World, Death Cab For Cutie Finds New Label Home
Plus other moves from UMPG, Bad Habit, Wasserman & more

Deals & Signings
Jan 28, 2026
1 min read
Miranda Lambert’s Catalog Acquired by Sony Music Publishing/Domain Capital
The deal covers the GRAMMY winner’s complete back catalog of songs

Primary Wave Invests in Music Financing Platform RUN
It’s RUN’s first and “single-largest” investment since launching in 2023

Rod Yates
Deals
Jan 29, 2026

Fresh Ink: Conan Gray Joins Good World, Death Cab For Cutie Finds New Label Home
Plus other moves from UMPG, Bad Habit, Wasserman & more

James Cullen
Deals
Jan 28, 2026

Miranda Lambert’s Catalog Acquired by Sony Music Publishing/Domain Capital
The deal covers the GRAMMY winner’s complete back catalog of songs

Rod Yates
Deals
Jan 28, 2026

broke records Launches Publishing Wing, broke publishing
Publishing veteran Brennen Bryant will lead the new arm of the label

Harry Levin
Deals
Jan 28, 2026

Secretly Distribution to Distribute Ipecac Recordings Globally
The independent label was co-founded by Mike Patton and Greg Werckman

Rod Yates
Deals
Jan 27, 2026

Primary Wave and Nas Nuvens Acquire Gilberto Gil’s Catalog
The Brazilian artist’s career spans six decades and more than 60 albums

Rod Yates
Deals
Jan 27, 2026





