Downtown Music Publishing Launches in Africa

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Outdated contracts will be replaced with agreements designed around each creator's goals.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."