South African music publishing company Sheer Publishing Africa renamed Downtown Music Publishing Africa

Staff Reporter

 As part of aligning itself with a global vision, Sheer Publishing Africa is rebranding and now is known as Downtown Music Publishing Africa.

 The company has been one of Africa’s most trusted independent music publishers for nearly three decades. Founded in 1996, Sheer Publishing Africa has supported creators across various genres, from Amapiano to Afro-Jazz and Kwaito to Hip-Hop. Over the years, it has built an esteemed catalogue of South African compositions and international titles.

 This company manages rights for creators in 145 countries, and its global expertise is firmly established in Africa.

Managing Director of Downtown Music Publishing Africa, Thando Makhunga who looked delighted on the launch day believes that the transformational moment is not only for the company but for music rights management on the continent.

 Makhunga says the legacy will continue under the Downtown banner, creating new opportunities for African creators. With Downtown’s worldwide infrastructure, Downtown Music Publishing Africa will have full access to cutting-edge technology, royalty administration, and client services.

The move will enable the company to drive greater cultural impact and unlock new opportunities for creators across the continent, as well as for global publishers and rights holders operating in Africa and beyond.

 Through Downtown’s worldwide infrastructure, DMP Africa will gain full access to the best-in-class technology, royalty administration, and client services, enabling it to drive greater cultural impact and unlock new opportunities for creators across the continent, as well as for global publishers and rights holders operating in and beyond Africa.

“Our new name reflects our ability to plug directly into Downtown’s global expertise, while staying rooted in the nuances of the African music landscape. We’re expanding our scope and partnering with major global companies to deliver tailored, transparent, and future-forward services. We’re building an ecosystem where African creators don’t just participate in the global music economy – they lead it,” Makhunga elaborates.

DMP Africa’s expanded focus is already reflected in a growing roster of international partnerships, servicing global clients such as Warner Chappell, Concord, as well as other independent publishers on the continent, including Sintonia (Angola), Vuga Music (Nigeria/U.S.), Murmure Publishing (France), Bucks Music Group (UK), and Saregama (India) – one of the oldest and most respected music companies in South Asia. These relationships speak to DMP Africa’s ability to meet the complex and evolving needs of global rights holders looking to navigate the African market.

“As part of the rebrand, Downtown Music Publishing Africa will roll out an expanded suite of services. This includes the introduction of Neighbouring Rights Administration, which will create new income streams for performers and rights holders across the continent.”

“DMP Africa 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. They will also be moving away from outdated contracts to build agreements designed around each creator’s unique goals.”

This strategic repositioning moves DMP Africa beyond a traditional publishing company, establishing it as a trusted long-term partner for a diverse range of creators, catalogues, and music businesses.

“The rebrand isn’t just cosmetic – it’s about redefining what it means to be a music publishing partner in Africa. 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,”Makhunga explains.

Pieter van Rijn, CEO of Downtown Music comments, “This marks an important new chapter in our presence across Africa, a region rich in creativity, culture, and talent.

DMP Africa reflects our belief in the region’s creative power and our responsibility to support its continued expansion. By partnering local expertise with global access and investing in long-term, equitable partnerships, we will ensure that talent from across the African diaspora is rewarded on a global scale.”

Makhunga concludes, “We’ve always rooted for the creator, the producer, the songwriter, and the record label, with a creative vision rooted in independence and creative freedom. Now we’ve got the global partners to go even further – for our creators, our culture, and our future.”