Sheer Publishing Africa, founded in 1996, is one of Africa's largest independent music publishing houses based in Johannesburg. The company has championed creators across genres from Amapiano to Afro-Jazz, Kwaito to Hip-Hop for nearly 30 years. In 2025, Sheer rebranded to Downtown Music Publishing Africa following its acquisition by Downtown Music Holdings, expanding its suite of services while maintaining its focus on protecting rights, collecting royalties, and connecting African music to the world.