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Outdated contracts will be replaced with agreements designed around each creator's goals.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
Feb 6, 2026
1 min read
Avex Music Taps The Orchard for Global Distribution
The first release will be from Justin Bieber’s longtime backing band
Deals & Signings
Feb 5, 2026
1 min read
Indie Streaming Platform Vocana Partners with Symphonic
The move signals another step in the platform’s move out of beta
Deals & Signings
Feb 5, 2026
1 min read
B2B Music Streamer Soundtrack Acquires Tunify and Ambie
Soundtrack’s clientele includes Uniqlo, Four Seasons, and more
Avex Music Taps The Orchard for Global Distribution
The first release will be from Justin Bieber’s longtime backing band
Rod Yates
Deals
Feb 6, 2026
Indie Streaming Platform Vocana Partners with Symphonic
The move signals another step in the platform’s move out of beta
Rod Yates
Deals
Feb 5, 2026
B2B Music Streamer Soundtrack Acquires Tunify and Ambie
Soundtrack’s clientele includes Uniqlo, Four Seasons, and more
Rod Yates
Deals
Feb 5, 2026
Fresh Ink: Kanye West Partners With gamma., Payday Music Publishing Adds Dombresky & Cassian
Plus other signings at CAA, Red Light Management & more
James Cullen
Deals
Feb 4, 2026
Manager of AI Musician Xania Monet to Launch New Label With Create Music Group
The two parties are investing millions into the new project
Harry Levin
Deals
Feb 4, 2026
Sony Music Acquires $200 Million in Assets from Recognition Music Group
Recognition is owned by the enormous asset management firm, Blackstone
Harry Levin
Deals
Feb 3, 2026
