After nearly three decades as one of Africa’s most trusted, creator-first independent music publishers, Sheer Publishing Africa is reintroducing itself to the world as Downtown Music Publishing Africa. More than a visual refresh, the rebrand marks a strategic alignment with the global vision of Downtown Music Publishing, which administers rights for creators in over 145 countries. Its global infrastructure and expertise are now firmly rooted on the African continent.“This is a transformational moment, not only for us but for music rights management on the continent,”says Thando Makhunga, Managing Director of Downtown Music Publishing Africa.
Founded in 1996, Sheer Publishing Africa has built a reputation for championing diverse creators from Amapiano to Afro-Jazz, Kwaito to Hip-Hop curating an esteemed catalogue of South African compositions and international titles. That legacy will now thrive under the Downtown banner, unlocking new levels of opportunity for African creators.
Through Downtown’s global infrastructure, DMP Africa will gain access to industry-leading technology, royalty administration, and client services. This will enable greater cultural impact and open new avenues for creators across the continent, as well as for global rights holders navigating Africa’s dynamic music market.“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,” Makhunga elaborates.“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.”
Expanding Global Partnerships
DMP Africa’s renewed focus is already evident through a growing list of international clients and collaborators, including:
- Warner Chappell
- Concord
- Sintonia (Angola)
- Vuga Music (Nigeria/U.S.)
- Murmure Publishing (France)
- Bucks Music Group (UK)
- Saregama (India) — one of South Asia’s most respected music companies
These relationships reflect DMP Africa’s capacity to meet the complex and evolving needs of both local and international rights holders.
Introducing New Services
As part of the rebrand, DMP Africa is rolling out an expanded suite of services, including:
- Neighbouring Rights Administration — unlocking new income streams for performers and rights holders across Africa
- Implementation of Curve, Downtown’s global royalty accounting platform, offering creators transparent, real-time access to earnings
- Contract modernization, shifting away from legacy agreements to bespoke deals aligned with each creator’s goals
This repositioning establishes DMP Africa as more than just a traditional music publisher — it becomes a long-term, trusted partner to a wide spectrum of creators and music businesses.“The rebrand isn’t just cosmetic — it’s about redefining what it means to be a music publishing partner in Africa,” Makhunga adds. “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.”
Global Endorsements
“Africa is one of the most dynamic creative regions in the world,” says Emily Stephenson, President of Downtown Music Publishing.“Through DMP Africa, we are investing not just in infrastructure, but in long-term relationships that will shape the future of the music industry.”Pieter van Rijn, CEO of Downtown Music, adds:“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 combining local expertise with global reach, we will ensure talent from across the African diaspora is rewarded on a global scale.”
Looking Ahead
While the brand evolves, the dedicated local team remains in place, bringing the same creator-first energy and deep understanding of the African music landscape. “We’ve always rooted for the creator, the producer, the songwriter, and the record label, with a vision grounded in independence and creative freedom,” Makhunga concludes.“Now we’ve got the global partners to go even further — for our creators, our culture, and our future.”
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