Behind the Beat

Don’t miss the ASE Workshop this Friday! Brought to you by Sheer Publishing—your next move in music might just start here. RSVP now.

Sheer Publishing Africa signs a game-changing sub-publishing deal with Vuga Music Inc., expanding their global footprint and boosting African artist representation.

Sheer Publishing Africa x Music Business Network served up bold convos and next-gen insights at the AR Focus Session.

WhatsApp just leveled up—users can now add music to their Status updates. It’s a game changer for artists and publishers tapping into organic discovery. Here’s what it means for the music industry.

Spotify reports double-digit growth in U.S. music industry payouts for 2024, with over 1,250 artists earning $1M+ across all revenue streams.

Join the Music Business Network A&R Focus Session on 27 March 2025 in Sandton. Featuring Kefiloe Molefe of Sheer Publishing. Register now!

Sheer Publishing licenses music for iThonga, the new Mzansi Magic telenovela featuring a powerful score by composer Brendan Jury. Tune in now.

The legendary Mandoza’s "Nkalakatha" brings the heat to Meet the Khumalos, now streaming on Netflix. A true anthem standing the test of time!

Discover the inspiring journey of Perez Musik, a Ghanaian gospel artist, songwriter, and filmmaker dedicated to spreading the gospel through music, arts, and media. Read more about his impactful ministry, awards, and vision.

Our Creative & Sync and Library teams are here, connecting, collaborating, and pushing creative boundaries in music and film. Let’s make magic happen!

Sheer Publishing joins Music Connects Africa Zimbabwe Open Call, empowering artists, producers, DJs, and managers with expert insights on music rights, publishing, and sync opportunities.

Sheer Publishing x Dis-Chem Sync Deal! 🚀 JR’s "Show Dem (Reworked)" lands a major sync placement with Dis-Chem. Produced by Thabo Bogopa, this high-energy track is set to elevate the campaign.

Sheer Publishing Africa and Sintonia Publishing have joined forces in a strategic partnership to expand music representation across Angola and beyond. This collaboration will boost African music's global reach, ensuring greater recognition and opportunities for Angolan and Lusophone artists.

YouTube has hit 125 million Music and Premium subscribers, reinforcing its dominance in music streaming. This growth signals more opportunities for artists, songwriters, and publishers. Read the full breakdown.

The highly anticipated The Music Business Unplugged podcast has officially launched, marking a significant milestone for the South African and global music industry. As the first South African podcast dedicated to the business of music, this platform reaches audiences across Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, the UK, the US, Western Europe, and beyond.

Sheer Publishing joins Music Connects Africa Zimbabwe Open Call, empowering artists, producers, DJs, and managers with expert insights on music rights, publishing, and sync opportunities.

Sheer Publishing dominates the Metro FM Music Awards 2025! Big wins incoming for our nominated artists, including Phila Koshin for Best New Artist!

Sheer Publishing joined the MEDI Policy Assembly in Lagos, Nigeria, to discuss Africa’s booming music economy. From copyright enforcement to financing opportunities, key industry leaders explored the future of music in Africa. Read more about Sheer’s role in shaping the next chapter of the African music industry.

This month, Bucks Music Group (UK) welcomes Clavis 7even, a genre-blending rapper and producer, and Ellie Gowers, a poetic folk singer-songwriter, to their roster. Exciting times ahead.

Ensuring your works are properly notified with CAPASSO is key to collecting your mechanical royalties. But who is responsible for this? Composers, authors, and direct CAPASSO member publishers can notify their works, while indirect members must rely on their administering publishers. Learn more about the process and ensure your music is registered correctly.

SAMRO has just announced its highest-ever revenue and lowest cost-to-income ratio in a decade! This is a huge win for composers, songwriters, and sub-publishers, as it means bigger royalty payouts and a stronger, more sustainable music rights system.

Love. Drama. Bangers. Umjolo, Netflix’s latest four-part sensation, isn’t just about romance—it's about the sound of it. And who’s crafting that perfect sonic experience? Sheer Publishing, making sure every beat, lyric, and melody hits just right.

Sheer Publishing is bringing big sounds to the big screen! We've partnered with Wolflight Films to license some of our most captivating tracks, set to feature in cinemas starting March 7th.

Join Thando Makhunga, Managing Director of Sheer Publishing Africa, alongside industry leaders like Peace Mabe (Deputy Minister of Sport, Arts & Culture) and Karabo Senna (SAMRO General Manager of Licensing) for a dynamic panel discussion on the future of the music industry.

Big moves, bigger talent! We’re thrilled to welcome an incredible lineup of songwriters, producers, and musicians from Origin Music Publishing to the Sheer Publishing family.

SAMRO is going digital! South African songwriters can now book appointments online—saving time and making rights management easier. Here’s why this matters and how Sheer Publishing can help.

Heartbreak music is booming in Africa! Spotify data shows a surge in sad songs, proving emotional storytelling is on the rise. What does this mean for songwriters? Find out how this trend could impact your next hit.

Fuel your rewards journey with the infectious beats of "Caracara" by @mrcashtime ft. @kidxsa & @iamlunatik! The perfect track to match the energy of the Shell V+ Rewards campaign, this sync brings vibrancy, rhythm, and unmistakable South African flair to the ad.

African Music Trends to Watch in 2025 – From the revival of traditional sounds to the rise of indigenous house & 3-step music, Africa’s music scene is set for a transformative year. Expect breakout artists, global tours, cross-regional collabs, and an Afrobeats-electronic fusion redefining the industry.

Spotify Hits $10 Billion Payout Milestone in 2024 – Spotify just paid a record-breaking $10B to the music industry, bringing total payouts to nearly $60B since launch. With 500M+ paying subscribers and a goal of 1 billion, streaming is fueling artist earnings like never before.

Sheer Publishing proudly supports Africa Food for Thought Foundation with a food donation, helping families in need. Together, we can fight hunger and make a difference.

South African flautist Wouter Kellerman wins his third Grammy Award for ‘Triveni’! Sheer Publishing Africa celebrates this milestone in global music. Read more about his journey and success.

Filmmakers, simplify music licensing with Sheer Publishing. From pre-existing tracks to original scores, we handle rights clearance, documentation, and more.

Sheer Publishing Africa partners with Virgin Music Group as part of Downtown Music’s acquisition. This exciting chapter unlocks new opportunities for songwriters and rights owners while maintaining the personalized service you trust.

Fuel your rewards journey with the infectious beats of "Caracara" by @mrcashtime ft. @kidxsa & @iamlunatik! The perfect track to match the energy of the Shell V+ Rewards campaign, this sync brings vibrancy, rhythm, and unmistakable South African flair to the ad.

Explore how Mandoza’s iconic hits like '50/50' and 'Nkalakhatha' keep his legacy alive through sync licensing in ads and global events.

Filmmakers, simplify music licensing with Sheer Publishing. From pre-existing tracks to original scores, we handle rights clearance, documentation, and more.

Discover how Sheer Publishing brings stories to life with sync licensing. From film scoring to music supervision, we simplify pairing music with media

Sheer Publishing is dedicated to providing exceptional sync licensing opportunities, which remain a central part of our business. Sync licensing continues to forge creative connections between artists, composers, and brands. As brands prepare for upcoming campaigns, our team is ready to help them discover the perfect music to elevate their message.   Dive Into the […]

Discover how Sheer Publishing Africa's workshop at AUMEX 2024 in Kampala empowered independent artists with actionable insights on music publishing, royalties, and global opportunities.

Award-winning South African gospel artist, Kingdmusic, renews his global publishing deal with Sheer Publishing Africa. Known for his inspiring music and impactful lyrics, KingD continues to captivate audiences worldwide. Stay updated on his latest releases and global influence through this exciting collaboration.

Sheer Publishing is dedicated to providing exceptional sync licensing opportunities, which remain a central part of our business. Sync licensing continues to forge creative connections between artists, composers, and brands. As brands prepare for upcoming campaigns, our team is ready to help them discover the perfect music to elevate their message. Latest Sync Update: Shoprite […]

Nigerian sensation Harrysong captivates fans with his soulful voice and genre-blending Afropop sound. From church choir beginnings to chart-topping hits like "Reggae Blues" and collaborations with Fireboy DML and Olamide, Harrysong continues to inspire with his versatile music and commitment to empowering young talent.

Ncebakazi Msomi, a gifted gospel singer/songwriter, shares the message of faith through her powerful music. From her roots in the Eastern Cape to joining Joyous Celebration, her journey has led to a chart-topping debut album, awards, and a RISA Gold certification. Discover her inspiring story and soulful melodies.

The Africa Throne Tour is coming to Prime Video! Watch as Nasty C and Cassper Nyovest take the stage in this highly anticipated tour. Multiple tracks have been licensed, showcasing the best of African talent. Don’t miss it—coming soon to Prime Video!

Sheer Publishing welcomes Thawini Creatives to the family! Founded by Sizwe Mbelu and Andile Magwaza, this Pietermaritzburg-based duo seamlessly blends African rhythms with modern genres like Afro House, Amapiano, and Gqom. Discover their innovative soundscapes that celebrate South Africa’s musical heritage while embracing new trends.

President Ramaphosa refers the Copyright Amendment Bill and Performers Protection Amendment Bill to the Constitutional Court for a ruling. Learn what this means for South Africa's creative industry, creators' rights, and fair use.

Discover the highlights of Sheer's Praise by Pen Gospel Masterclass, held at the Academy of Sound Engineering. Featuring insights from industry experts like Jross, Ncebakazi Msomi, and Mjakes the Producer, this event empowered gospel songwriters with practical tips and creative inspiration.

Congratulations to our incredible clients for their wins at the 2024 SAFTAs! Their exceptional talent in music composition and original scoring has been honoured in some of the most celebrated TV dramas and telenovelas.

Explore the impact of Artificial Intelligence on the music industry, including opportunities and challenges. From AI-generated performances of deceased artists to legal and ethical concerns, discover what every artist should know about harmonising creativity with AI.

Spotify celebrates the 10th Anniversary of Wizkid’s hit song titled Ojuelegba accompanied by a heartfelt and inspiring story shared between father and daughter.

Explore the impact of Artificial Intelligence on the music industry, including opportunities and challenges. From AI-generated performances of deceased artists to legal and ethical concerns, discover what every artist should know about harmonising creativity with AI.

Discover how the new 2024 GRAMMY category, Best African Music Performance, is transforming global recognition for African music. Learn more about its impact and the Recording Academy’s commitment to celebrating Africa's diverse musical talents.

Award-winning South African gospel artist, Kingdmusic, renews his global publishing deal with Sheer Publishing Africa. Known for his inspiring music and impactful lyrics, KingD continues to captivate audiences worldwide. Stay updated on his latest releases and global influence through this exciting collaboration.

Sheer Publishing Africa had an incredible time at Fame Week Africa 2024, connecting with film and TV partners to discuss music supervision, licensing, and the transformative power of music in media production. Discover how our expertise in music solutions can elevate your storytelling projects.

Sheer Publishing is dedicated to providing exceptional sync licensing opportunities, which remain a central part of our business. Sync licensing continues to forge creative connections between artists, composers, and brands. As brands prepare for upcoming campaigns, our team is ready to help them discover the perfect music to elevate their message.   Latest Sync Update: […]

Checkers Sixty60 gives us an amazing new sing along advert, with the tune and rhyme borrowed from Mandoza's legendary song titled 50/50.

Tru Hitz alongside Stogie T effortlessly showcase their versatile skills on Redbull 64 Bars, delivering sharp lyrics over a tight beat.

Coronation South Africa shares an ad to their latest campaign filled with heartfelt and meaningful moments that are bound to move you.

Celebrate 25 years of Mandoza’s iconic Nkalakatha at Soweto Theatre. Join the musical theatre tribute on 18 September 2024. Tickets available now!

Celebrate Sheer Publishing Africa's clients nominated for the 2024 SAFTA Awards, including Brendan Jury, Philip Miller, and more, for their outstanding achievements in original music and score for top TV dramas and telenovelas.

Downtown Music appoints David Driessen as Chief Commercial Officer to drive global growth and partnerships. Leading services for over 4 million creators and 5,000 businesses in 150+ countries.

YouTube introduces new 'responsible AI' tools to protect artists from AI-generated content, including deepfakes. These tools will help detect and manage unauthorized use of voices and faces, and offer creators more control over content usage. Pilot launching in early 2025.

Zimbabwean music is gaining global popularity, with artists like Tocky Vibes, Freeman, and Killer T performing at international events such as Zimfest in the UK. Arts expert Plot Mhako notes this trend as proof that Zimbabwean music appeals to a global audience.

Discover the legal challenges surrounding AI-generated music, copyright protection, and its impact on the music industry in this new era of technological innovation.

Discover Bucie’s journey back to music, her creative process, and the significance of her partnership with Sheer Publishing. A heartfelt story of motherhood, resilience, and a renewed purpose.

Sheer Publishing Africa is redefining the music industry's landscape by championing female artists. From sponsoring awards to signing emerging talents like Anele Zondo and Khosi Ngema, we are dedicated to fostering gender equality and celebrating women in music year-round.

Celebrate the achievements of women in music at the 2024 Basadi Music Awards, where Sheer Publishing proudly sponsored the ‘Songwriter of The Year’ award. Discover how our artists, Lwah Ndlunkulu and Brenda Mtambo, took home top honors!

Discover Downtown Music Holdings' new brand positioning, 'The Music Industry Lives Here.' Learn how Downtown supports creators and rights holders in the evolving music industry with their innovative services and brands.

The South African recorded music industry has doubled in value since 2017, with more growth on the way, as a boom in domestic talent has helped to drive listeners to streaming.

Bucie Nqwiliso has a successful music catalogue with songs including Easy To Love, Love Me Right, Shela, and more, and she shocked music fans by taking a break after tying the knot in 2016. Speaking to TshisaLIVE, Bucie said she’s excited to share her latest song, Faithful, which was released on May 24, and she’s back working with […]

Join us for our upcoming masterclass, a celebration of the dynamic partnership between Sheer Publishing Africa and The Academy of Sound Engineering. This session promises to be an enlightening experience for the music industry, as we delve into the captivating fusion of music and film. As this is the second installment of the Sheer Songwriter […]

Congratulations to our executives across Downtown who have been included in the 2024 Billboard International Power Player List. Pieter Van Rijn (CEO of Downtown Music) Emily Stephenson (President of Downtown Music Publishing) Thando Makhunga (Managing Director, Sheer) Ben Patterson (President of Downtown Artist & Label Services) Christiaan Kröner (President of FUGA) Christine Barnum (COO of […]

Sheer Publishing Africa proudly introduces its newest signing, Leandra.Vert, a rising star hailing from the Free State and nurtured in the Vaal region of South Africa. With a distinctive blend of singing and songwriting, Leandra.Vert is poised to make waves in the burgeoning Amapiano genre. In her inaugural year in the Amapiano scene, Leandra.Vert has […]

Sheer Publishing Africa proudly introduces Kay-9ine, also known as Kagiso Mokgatle, a multifaceted talent in the music industry. With a foundation in Sound Engineering from the Eonfunk School of Music, Kay-ine’s journey into music began with a commitment to mastering the technical aspects of sound production. This education laid the groundwork for his evolution into […]

Released during a grim period in its country’s history, the groundbreaking crossover hit Paradise Road by black female group Joy promised “better days” for South Africa, foreshadowing Nelson Mandela’s triumph 14 years later. Thirty years ago, in April 1994, Nelson Mandela emerged victorious in South Africa’s first democratic elections. This epochal moment marked the ultimate […]

Vodacom kicked off their brand thematic campaign with a great ad which tells the wonderful journey of Vodacom as a network that has helped millions of South Africans connect for 30 years. With a great tune to tell the story, Vodacom celebrates “30 Years of Wonderful” with a timeless classic by the iconic Louis Armstrong. […]

Signing a publishing contract is serious business. This rings true, especially for those in the music industry, whose creative rights need expertise in protection.< For this reason, Sheer Publishing Africa have structured their publishing deals to first and foremost protect the interest of the artist and to profitably elevate their music to new commercial heights. […]

Creative industry wants to meet Ramaphosa over fair use laws The South African Creative Practitioners in Unity (SACPU) has requested an urgent meeting with President Cyril Ramaphosa to discuss some of the concerns presented by the Copyright Amendment Bill and the Performers Protection Amendment Bill. For more than 10 years, the country’s creative industry has […]

Tsogo Sun launches their 2024 group television campaign with the iconic anthem by Mandoza. This TV campaign has aired on various television channels and ads throughout the month of March. Song: Nkalakatha 2012 Rebirth Version Artist: Mandoza Composers: Gabi Le Roux/Mduduzi Client: Tsogo Sun   View this post on Instagram   A post shared by […]

On the 30th of March 2024, Artistry in Sandton witnessed the convergence of music professionals, private sector officials, and government representatives at the inaugural Music Business Network event. Among the esteemed guests and keynote speakers was Ms. Kefiloe Molefe, the A&R Manager at Sheer Publishing Africa. The event was a resounding success, providing attendees with […]

Spotify is incorporating music videos into its mobile and desktop applications in 11 chosen markets worldwide, including Kenya. The feature will also be rolled out in Brazil, Colombia, Germany, Indonesia, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Philippines, Sweden and the UK. Spotify said it will be available in beta to premium users to bolster artist-fan connection, adding […]

The French Institute of South Africa (IFAS) is excited to announce the launch of the application process for the highly anticipated 2024 edition of Fête de la Musique. Musicians, bands, singers, poets and DJs of all genres are invited to seize the opportunity to be part of this renowned festival. To be part of this […]

We are ecstatic to announce the latest addition to our roster of talented artists, the dynamic Bonga Kwana, fondly referred to as Stargyal. Bonga Kwana is not just a musician; she embodies the essence of a true creative force, seamlessly blending her skills as a singer, songwriter, and entrepreneur. With a nomination for a South […]

The Sheer Publishing Africa team and the music industry mourn the loss of a true legend, Robert Schroder, a maestro whose influence spanned generations. For many years, Robert graced Sheer Publishing Africa as a cherished client, leaving an indelible mark as a composer, producer, and musician of unparalleled skill and vision. Rob’s impact on the […]

In their latest radio ad with The Proclaimers’ catchy tune, WeBuyCars promises to keep buying cars. Title of work: I’m gonna be (500 miles) Composer(s): Charles Reid and Craig Reid Performing artists: The Proclaimers Production/client: We Buy Cars   View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Sheer Publishing (@sheerpublishing)

Sizwe Alakine, a renowned South African musician widely recognized as Reason. His multifaceted talent and impactful contributions to the music industry do not go unnoticed. As Reason joins our esteemed group of artists, we eagerly anticipate collaborating with him to further amplify his creative vision and expand his reach both locally and internationally. WATCH VIDEO: […]

Led by the globally acclaimed artist Lucas Raps, the addition of Big Qosh Music Group marks a significant milestone in our ongoing commitment to fostering diverse talent and cultivating groundbreaking musical endeavours. WATCH VIDEO:   View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Sheer Publishing (@sheerpublishing)

The International Confederation of Societies of Authors and Composers (CISAC) is the world’s leading network of authors’ societies, with a global community of members representing more than 5 million creators of all artistic repertoires worldwide. Today CISAC comes out in support of many in South Africa’s creative community in asking the National Assembly not to adopt […]

Fair Use not beneficial to copyright owners and creators The parliamentary portfolio committee on trade, industry and competition has announced the adoption of the Copyright Amendment Bill and the Performers’ Protection Amendment Bill, in concurrence with the National Council of Provinces (NCOP). The bill ostensibly seeks to improve access to information for all and to […]

The Southern African Music Rights (SAMRO) avails R3 million for the fourth installment of its flagship Corporate Social Investment (CSI) programme, the Music Creation Support Fund (MCSF). This year, MCSF will help one hundred and twenty (120) Full and Associate Members of SAMRO to revive their creativity and compose new musical works that will enable them to generate an […]

Musical Copyright Society Nigeria, MCSN, says it will not relent in getting the right value for music and making users of creative works give the owners their rightful dues. President of the Society, Dr. Sunday Adegeye, popularly known as King Sunny Ade stated this at a news Conference in Lagos. King Sunny Ade who expressed […]

Music publishing can be extremely complex and tricky, and is oft-times misunderstood by artists. Considering the importance of music publishing in a songwriter’s career, it cannot be overlooked. Although we have industry professionals who are there to assist, it is equally important that the artist knows what is going on in the business side of […]

Mdundo is one of the homegrown streaming services in Africa trying to compete with the big global DSPs. Its latest financial results reveal that it ended 2023 with 30.8 million monthly active users, up from 23.4 million at the end of 2022, and 13.3 million the year before that. However, the company’s revenues fell by […]

Sheer Publishing Africa extends its heartfelt congratulations to the outstanding artists nominated for the 66th Grammy Awards which recently took place on the 4th of February 2024, this grand event was held at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, and all international musicians, singers, songwriters, producers, composers and many industry professionals were present to witness […]

Multiple award-winning rapper, K.O kickstarts the South African hip-hop music scene with the track titled ‘Swave Freestyle’ alongside its music video  

In the ever-evolving realm of music, 2024 brings forth a number of trends that will shape the industry’s landscape. From the captivating integration of cinematic stings in short-form videos to the subtle resurgence of acoustic melodies, let’s delve into the six prominent trends reshaping musical expressions and industry practices in the present year: Trend 1: […]

Starting this January 2024, music that is accessible in Spatial Audio on Apple Music is set to receive an increased share of royalties from the platform. In a communication sent to its label partners on  January 22nd 2024, Apple Music confirmed that content available in Spatial Audio will now be entitled to a royalty rate […]

Downtown Music Publishing (DMP) today announces a global music publishing agreement with multi-platinum, GRAMMY-winning US singer-songwriter, Colbie Caillat. Caillat shot to fame in 2007 with her 3x Platinum debut album ‘Coco’,  which hit #5 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums chart upon release and included hit singles ‘Bubbly’ – which is certified 6x platinum – […]

Direct-to-fan sales of vinyl and CDs both grew in 2023. CD sales hit 3.9M units, up from 3.5M Vinyl sales hit 6.8M, up from 4.9M Super Fans spend even more. The 18% of fans classified as Super Fans are increasingly the focus of labels and music marketers because, compared to the average US music listener, […]

TikTok has launched many songs that have gone viral over the years, but now it’s testing a feature that lets more people exercise their songwriting skills… with some help from AI. AI Song generates songs from text prompts with help from the large language model Bloom. Users can write out lyrics on the text field […]

The KwaZulu-Natal United Music Industry Association (KUMISA) has announced an open call for its upcoming artist management and publishing masterclasses to be held in Durban, South Africa. The primary goal of this initiative, according to KUMISA, is to strengthen the presence of artist managers and music publishers in KZN who are dedicated to advocating for […]

As we embark on 2024, let’s reflect on the noteworthy trends that unfolded in the music scene throughout 2023 and consider what we might anticipate for the year ahead. 1. Social Media and Streaming 2023 witnessed the ascent of African amapiano dance songs and challenges, exemplified by tracks like Bhebha, Mnike, and Dalie. Not forgetting […]

Exciting developments are unfolding for songwriters and publishers in 2024 as the Copyright Royalty Board grants approval for an increase in royalties for both physical and digital music sales. While this news may seem distant, its implications could extend far and wide. Let’s break it down: Shift in U.S Mechanical Royalties: The recent decision by […]

1. Revamp Your Catalogue: Dive into the new year by giving your musical catalogue a fresh makeover. Identify hidden gems and update your portfolio to reflect your evolving style. A well-curated catalogue is your artistic resume – make sure it shines! 2. Cash in on Your Craft: Register Your (Unregistered) Songs for Royalties: Maximise your […]

Listen to the Sheer Christmas Playlist for 2023 here Have a blessed festive season and see you in the new year!

It is with heavy hearts and a profound sense of loss that we extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and fans of the late Bulelwa Mkutukana, widely known as Zahara. As a client of Sheer Publishing, Zahara’s artistry and musical prowess were not only admired but also held in high regard. Zahara was […]

The GRAMMYs stand as a pinnacle of recognition in the music industry, symbolising excellence and achievement. Downtown is honored to be actively engaged with an extensive network of songwriters, artists, and businesses, championing the cause of over a hundred nominees set to grace the 2024 GRAMMY Awards. This collaborative effort underscores our commitment to supporting […]

Congratulations to Sheer Publishing client, Dopeflop who won the Best Feature Award at SAUMA awards for his track Siyabangen (ft. The Voshorist & Taminology).

Spotify has officially disclosed its updated royalty payment policy, confirming the elimination of payments for songs with fewer than 1,000 annual streams, effective early 2024. This decision aims to address the challenge posed by a significant number of tracks (representing 0.5% of the platform’s stream-share royalty pool) that have been streamed at least once but […]

The service reveals its year-end charts Apple Music has launched a dedicated hub on its service to mark the 2023 award, with playlists, albums, and radio programming. Country singer Morgan Wallen’s “Last Night” topped Apple Music’s global song chart in 2023 as the giant music streamer released year-end lists Tuesday and provided listeners with data on their […]

Spearheaded by renowned musician Jeremy Loops, The Cape Open Air event series will delight attendees with five local bands daily taking place on 2-3 December 2023. With the picturesque ocean as the backdrop, the event boasts a packed lineup starting from midday, leading up to sunset headline performances. Attendees can expect a day filled with […]

A life-changing remix of a chart-topping journey unfolds as Anthony Kasirivu transitions from a promising rugby career to a noteworthy music producer. His trajectory altered dramatically when a rugby injury left him paralyzed, but he shifted focus from the tragedy to embracing a new life in music. Initially a rugby player at the University of […]

UberEats showcases its versatility in an ad featuring the song ‘That’s Not My Name’ by The Ting Tings, demonstrating that they go beyond just the ‘eats’. Clients: UberEats Production: UberEats/ Joe Public Song Title: That’s Not My Name Artist: The Ting Tings WATCH VIDEO https://www.instagram.com

Copyright and Performers Protection Amendment Bills adopted by the National Council of Provinces with changes, referred back to the National Assembly for concurrence. A child born on the day when the first step towards South Africa’s copyright reform started will turn 14 next week – well on her way to finishing high school. On 17 […]

Woolworths SA launches its festive Christmas 2023 Campaign, ushering in the season to be jolly with the joyful sounds of Montell Jordan’s ‘This Is How We Do It.’ Song: This is how we do it (re-record version) Artist: Montell Jordan Production: Woolworths Christmas 2023 Campaign Client: Bigsky Production Watch Video https://www.instagram.com/

Tsogo Sun extends hearty congratulations to the Springboks for their triumphant victory in the Rugby World Cup 2023, celebrating with the iconic South African anthem, Mandoza’s ‘Nkalakatha’. Song: Nkalakatha Artist: Mandoza Production: Tsogo Sun Client: Cinevation WATCH VIDEO https://www.instagram.com

Nkoli: The Vogue-Opera is about the life of Simon Nkoli, a gay anti-apartheid freedom fighter who was imprisoned for four years in the Delmas Treason Trial (1985 – 1988). It is created and composed by internationally renowned composer Philip Miller, whose recent successes include the soundtrack to the uShaka iLembe score; his collaboration on William […]

Supersport is celebrating the Springboks’ World Champion win by sharing an iconic highlight reel of their Rugby World Cup 2023 moments, set to the joyful and celebratory sound of American Author’s ‘Best Day of My Life’. Client: Supersport Production: 2023 Rugby World Cup-winner Montage Song: Best Day of My Life Artist: American Authors Watch Video […]

The South African Music Rights Organisation (SAMRO) has consistently served as a steadfast pillar of support for musicians, songwriters, and composers, with a rich history of protecting and promoting artists’ rights. SAMRO continues its mission to empower the music community through a range of initiatives, one of which was the highly-anticipated Kasi Worship Workshop held […]

The global music collection scene is making even more money than ever before, and we’ve got the numbers! Money Matters In 2022, the global music collections revenue hit an all-time high of €10.83 billion (that’s a whopping R216 billion!) as reported by CISAC (the International Confederation of Societies of Authors and Composers – is the […]

Join us in extending a warm Sheer welcome to Limpopo’s super producer, DJ Call Me! Exciting times await on this incredible journey ahead. The DJ and house producer whose real name is Aubrey Lebese, gained popularity after his first hit titled ‘Marry Me’, released in 2009. He later collaborated with the multi-talented Makhdzi on the […]

Well done to our clients who received nominations for the 16th annual Crown Gospel Music Awards. These Awards are one of the many exciting programs of the World Gospel Powerhouse and are a platform for saluting, celebrating, and rewarding excellence within the Gospel Music Industry in South Africa and beyond. The Award ceremony takes place […]

Castle Lite is set to keep summer ’23 #Unlocked with Extra Cold refreshments. Check out the clink, sip, and enjoy ad featuring a re-record of Salt-N-Pepa’s ‘Push It’ by Herby Azor as the soundtrack! Product/Campaign: Castle Lite Title: Push It ( Re-record) Artist: Salt and Pepper Agency: Ogilvy Cpt https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7KewIOgQuo8

We caught up with Phillip Miller to dive deep into his musical journey amidst the Covid-19 pandemic and uncover his latest creative endeavors. Renowned South African composer and sound artist, Phillip Miller, offered us a glimpse into his musical journey amid the Covid-19 pandemic, shedding light on the challenges he faced and how he navigated new […]

Sean “Diddy” Combs’s recent decision to reassign publishing rights to Bad Boy Records’ artists and songwriters has sent ripples through the music industry. While this development may seem distant from South African shores, it carries essential lessons for our own music publishing landscape, and underscores the significance of fair treatment and ownership rights for artists […]

We congratulate the following Sheer family artists for their well-deserved South African Music Awards (SAMA29) nominations: Best Maskandi Album – Thokozani Lange (is’khiye se-coldroom) Best Gqom Album – DJ Sandiso (Nande 2.0) Best African Adult Contemporary Album – Choko (Smile) Best RnB Album – Kabomo (Passion Fruit) Best Collaboration – K.O (SETE) Remix of the […]

Apple Music doesn’t share numbers publicly that often, so when it does, they’re generally significant. So check this: according to Apple, streams of African tracks on Apple Music have grown at a rate four times that of overall streams on the service. We think that’s year-on-year growth (we’re checking) as it was presented alongside the […]

Also known as the No. 1 Party DJ, Dj Jawz is a multifaceted club DJ who incorporates various genres, including Kwaito and Amapiano. He has showcased his sonic evolution with the release of the Amapiano hit track ‘Ringo,’ featuring prominent artists such as Bob Mabena, Reece Madlisa, Zuma, Busta 929. The hit surpassed over a […]

In a recent The Music Imbizo conference, we dove deep into the vibrant conversations about how digital platforms are shaking up the African music industry.  During the conference, a panel of experts, including Themba Molongoana, Warren Bokwe, Bulenazo, and Banda Banda, engaged in a conversation that delved into the impact of these platforms on the […]

Sheer Publishing Newsletter – 5 September 2023 – Latest News, Client News, New Music and more… Sheer Publishing Newsletter |September 2023 Latest News BRICS Summit Impact: The Potential to Unlock Music Industry Synergy Nicholas Maweni, Chairperson of SAMRO and a music advocate, discussed the 15th BRICS Summit that South Africa hosted from August 22 to […]

Award-winning sound designer, entrepreneur, music producer, recordist, and final & music mix engineer, Rob Brinkworth will be joining the panel “Harmonizing Narratives: Unleashing the Power of Music in Storytelling and the Business of Music Synchronization”, next week at Muziki Africa at Fame Week on Tuesday 5 September 2023 at 11h00. Rob’s studio – Resonate Audio […]

As the country commemorated Women’s Day, we shone a spotlight on an exceptional artist whose resilience echoed the spirit of that occasion. South African singer Lira’s journey, punctuated by strength and courage, took her from the stage to a remarkable battle against adversity. In April 2022, while on a musical journey in Germany, Lira’s life […]

Reuben T. Caluza – The B-Side – is a performance by singers and musicians celebrating the songs of the prolific and popular South African composer Reuben T. Caluza (1895–1969). In 1930, with his double quartet of singers, Caluza went to London to record his songs. Composers Philip Miller and Tshegofatso Moeng have arranged fresh interpretations […]

As South Africa prepares to host the 15th BRICS Summit from August 22 to 24, the focus turns to the collaboration on and improvement of copyright law in music among the BRICS nations – Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. This pivotal gathering provides an opportunity to address the lack of synergies in copyright […]

South African Rapper, Siya Shezi, has recently joined Sheer Publishing. His music is inspired by life and the community surrounding him, focusing on social issues and events happening around him. He acts as a narrator, representing the voice of the ghetto, a theme evident in all his previous works. He has successfully secured spots on […]

We’re excited to welcome South African DJ and Producer, REGALO Joints, who recently joined sheer publishing. His unique sound and talent promise to bring a fresh perspective to the music industry. Stay tuned for upcoming releases!

Experts have warned that the Copyright Amendment Bill would harm the creative sector and undermine artists’ and producers’ rights. Industry stakeholders agree that the bill should avoid the negative impacts of section 39, which restricts artists and producers from freely entering contracts and expands the Minister’s authority over private agreements. The CEO of RiSA, Nhlanhla […]

An increase in the number of brands synchronizing copyrighted work on social media posts and ads without clearance. Changing times: There has been an accelerated local migration to online advertising. A recent South African survey by Broadmedia of marketing departments showed that 81% of respondents allocate the most marketing budget to Digital and only 10% […]

Caltonic SA, also known as Mr Bass Play is set to release a self-titled EP, “The Bass Play”. This EP is a teaser to the album he is planning on releasing in the summer of 2023 and has been working on it for the past two years. The Bass Play Effect EP consists of 5 […]

Several digital music companies, including CD Baby, TuneCore, DistroKid, UnitedMasters, Symphonic, EMPIRE, Downtown and Vydia, along with popular digital service providers Spotify and Amazon Music, have joined forces in a historic alliance called Music Fights Fraud. Music Fights Fraud is a global task force aimed at eradicating streaming fraud. The move, announced this week, marks the […]

The Afro-Jazz Renaissance movement in the 90’s was led by the late composer and piano genius – Moses Taiwa Molelekwa. M2KR (MELT2000 Revisited) in conjunction with Moses Estate, represented by his son Zoe Molelekwa, have embarked on a 2023/4 remix project for which they have chosen tracks from his groundbreaking album Genes & Spirit. With […]

We are excited to announce our upcoming concert performances of the album “The B-side” by Reuben Caluza at the Market Theatre during Heritage Weekend on September 23rd, 24th, and 25th, 2023. The concerts will feature specially commissioned video projections and a talented group of singers and musicians.

OneBeat Ghana will bring together a cohort of leading young musician entrepreneurs from Ghana, Nigeria and the U.S. for an intensive 2-week residency in Ghana to exchange and build strategies for stronger artist communities and creative economies in the region. Fellows will participate in skill shares and discussions, creative exercises, and workshops led by guest […]

Koroma Tosin Richard, also known as Mr Soul, is a multi-talented artist from Sierra Leone. He was born on October 13th in Lagos State. Mr Soul is a music producer, singer, music director, and songwriter. He is skilled in playing various instruments such as the drums, piano, and talking drums. In 2020, he founded the […]

The Independent Music Publishers International Forum (IMPF) represents independent music publishers worldwide and is concerned about the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on the music industry. They believe that AI-generated music should be labeled as such to inform users and consumers about its origin. This means that any music made using AI should be reported, […]

The organisers of the South African Traditional Music Awards (SATMAs), in partnership with the Department of Art and Culture and the South African Broadcasting Corporation, are inviting artists to submit entries for the 2023 edition of the awards ceremony to be held at the Durban International Convention Centre. There is no limit to the number […]

Daniel Ogide, also known as Daniel Mylez, is a Nigerian rapper and singer born on April 10th, 1989. His passion is to share the message of the gospel of Christ to the world. He has released popular songs like “Life Is Spiritual,” “Dripping Glory,” “Oga Jesus,” and many more. Daniel Mylez has collaborated with artists […]

Our very own Musical Architect, Themba Molongoana together with Yule Dlamini and Spayce Frem explored the role of Media and Social Media in Amapiano at the Amapiano Africa Summit held on 23 – 24 June. The summit had the likes of Director of ‘Book-pro Afr!ca’ Zamani Ndimande, Events Doctor and Founder of Duma Collective Sibu […]

Award-winning South African composer and sound artist, as well as Sheer Client, Philip Miller, composed the score for MultiChoice’s new show ‘Shaka iLembe’ for Bomb Productions with Mbuso Khoza. This is the biggest Multichoice production of the year and we are excited that one of our clients is part of the music scoring. Debuting on […]

ARTIST manager and businessman Themba Molongoana understands the musicians’ needs and struggles. He told Daily Sun that he had learned all the ropes of being a great artist manager. Themba said he wants musicians to learn to enquire about most things, especially deals so that they can make their brands visible and available to the public. […]

Miss Hilary has released her first single titled ‘Pandza’.The single is on her EP ‘Best of Both Worlds.’ With this single, she endeavoured to create a sound that describes her and where she stands, particularly as an African woman. She identifies herself as a combination of all different cultures and traditions which is what moulded […]

The vibe king is back with another banger “Porsche Freestyle” and dropped not just the track, but visuals for it! At this point, Loki is just flexing his versatility. It’s a nice segway into the visuals for Tough Love, which according to him, will be released in the weeks to follow. The beat is hard, […]

Watch the new music video from Dopeflop featuring Taminology and The Voshorist. Titled Siyabangena, this collaboration brings together unique styles and energy. The music video showcases captivating performances and stunning visuals. WATCH VIDEO:

Zimbabwean jazz artist Josh Meck received the Best Jazz Album award for his 2022 release, “Nhaka Yemusha,” at the Zimbabwe Music Awards (ZiMAs) held in Harare. Meck’s album pays tribute to iconic predecessors in Zimbabwean music and highlights the country’s unique rhythms. The award recognizes Meck’s efforts in preserving and promoting Zimbabwean music. 

Delta the Leo has unveiled her multi-genre EP, “A Re Bineng.” This release features traditional music, reggae, RnB, HipHop, and more. Making it a beautiful well-rounded listen for all fans of music. With her skills as a singer, rapper, lyricist, dancer, choreographer, abstract model, and inspirational speaker, Delta the Leo showcases her versatility in this […]

King Groove, Bizizi, and Kaygee Daking have teamed up for their latest track, “Ama Supa.” This collaboration also features contributions from Chronic Killer and Lusha. Take a moment to check out this new release that showcases their talent and musical abilities. LISTEN NOW: https://ingroovesafrica.lnk.to/Ama_SupaAr

Denzil Pillay, a musician from KZN, has released a new track titled “You Can Move Your Body.” This Amapiano wave masterpiece, mixed and mastered by PrichA Music Group, combines pulsating beats with a catchy melody, perfect for dance enthusiasts. It’s a collaborative effort that showcases Denzil’s talent and the skills of everyone involved. LISTEN NOW:

We recently shared the inspiring story of one of our clients, Oriah, a sound designer, record producer, and all-round musical creative. From crafting killer musical compositions for his free sample packs to co-producing with industry giants like Russ, Oriah’s work has gone global. But that’s not all, Oriah has worked with some of the biggest […]

Meet Sicelo Seekay Buthelezi, a 24-year-old singer/songwriter from South Africa who you may recognise from a screen near you. Seekay SA has achieved recognition through his breakthrough gold amapiano feature “Snake Park” by Cyfred feat. Mr JazziQ, and his EP “Gustavo 1” which he released in November 2022. Seekay is also a steering member of […]

David Guetta, a renowned DJ and producer, recently used artificial intelligence (AI) to add a vocal in the style of Eminem to one of his live performances. Following this successful experiment, Guetta has declared that he believes “the future of music is in AI”. He has also stated that he does not plan to release […]

Saroy TNP is a Zimbabwean-born, South African-based Afrobeatz artist and producer. He was born and bred in Matabeleland South at St Anne’s (Brunaberg) hospital between the two cities of Plumtree and Bulawayo, in the small township of Nketa 7. SaroyTNP is currently based in Johannesburg, South Africa, and signed to Johannesburg-based record label 031recordz. In […]

Buselaphi was born in South Africa, KwaZulu Natal at Nongoma, Ngolotshe area. She grew up in that area and during her childhood she was a very respectful little girl among her community children. Regardless of whether old or little, this was instilled by her parents as a basic norm towards life as a whole. She […]

Sheer welcomes our new signing DJ Sandiso, this Durbanite is already well known for his breakthrough hit Isam-Qeh feat OkMalumKoolKat and Amadando. Expect big things.

Congratulations to our clients Shane Eagle and Yanga Chief on being part of the highly anticipated South African cast of Love & Hip Hop! As one of the most prominent hip-hop reality shows in the world, Love & Hip Hop has been a major platform for showcasing the lives and careers of hip-hop artists across […]

The first half of the year offers the perfect opportunity to review priorities, harness inspiration, and make a plan for the rest of the year. Here’s what to expect for the rest of 2023: TikTok Will Be One of The Best Platforms for Music Promotion  Publishing & Sync Deals Will Offer Greater Opportunities Music Genres […]

Kellerman has steadfastly built on the rigorous classical training of his youth, to create a signature sound that’s earned him both critical praise and multiple awards. He has won a total of eight SAMA’s (South African Music Award, the South African equivalent to the American Grammy®), reinforcing his status as one of South Africa’s foremost […]

Sheer is proud to represent Camidoh. In 2022 Camidoh’s song ‘Sugarcane’ was a global success, spreading his name across the world of social media and beyond. Camidoh has united with Grind Dont Stop (GDS) on their first EP ‘A lifetime is not enough’. They reckon the January release of this GDS EP is set to […]

The Gift of Giving Donation Drive is an initiative supported by Downtown Music Services. The Sheer Publishing team got involved in the bucket project and donated 22 buckets filled with groceries to assist underprivileged families for the Christmas period. The team also ran a clothing collection for an organisation called WASP Community Services. W – […]

In our Inaugural Film and TV composition Masterclass, knowledge was shared, skills were refined and collaborations locked in amongst composers and directors alike. This being the first of many, stay tuned to find out how you can secure your seat at the next Masterclass. Guest Director: Mmabatho Montsho Guest Composer: Neill Solomon

SA musicians Zakes Bantwini and Nomcebo Zikode have scored their first Grammy Award nomination, along with past winner Wouter Kellerman. The trio’s collaboration Bayethe is nominated for Best Global Music Performance, competing with songs by Burna Boy, Matt B, Arooj Aftab,  Anoushka Shankar, and Rocky Dawuni. Beyoncé, Adele, and Harry Style lead the nomination pack for the […]

Born Onkabetse John Hlongwane, K-Zaka is a South African musical artist with songwriting, production, and DJ’ing under his belt. K-Zaka worked with Raplyf Records artists namely Kwesta, TLT, and Makwa as their tour DJ. He was also during that time a resident DJ for TV shows ShizNiz and Craze World Live. K-Zaka has dropped various […]

From the large Ekurhuleni township, Tembisa, reputable as one of South Africa’s cradles of talent, emerged a unique sensation. The talents of actress, musician, conceptualize, and aspiring director, Nonhlanhla Dube embarks on a very rewarding journey. Having worked on plenty of musical productions such as Ugabaleka with Cousins on Deck, undergoing project with Amapiano artists […]

Joyce Blessing is Ghanaian a gospel artist. Joyce has always had an endearment for music and started singing in the church at the early age of 14 and also made sure she never missed any of the musical concerts held in her vicinity, even when her mother tried to prevent her from attending these functions. Blessing […]

RJ Benjamin’s smash hit single, Change the World, has come back and been used in Nestlé’s new campaign. Ironically, when Benjamin first recorded the track, he didn’t think too much of it. “You assume to know which songs are going to be timeless, and you don’t,” he admits. “That’s why you must deliver your utmost […]

Babatunde Akinwumi Akinleye, known professionally as Tunde 2deep, is a Nigerian Afro-fusion Singer, Songwriter, Model, and Producer (SAIKUO BEATS) who coined his style by blending intriguing African, dancehall, and reggae riddim elements with mainstream pop which always evolves into infectious tunes, keeping listeners glued to the speakers. Inspired by the likes of Late Fela and Bob Marley, He has […]

31-year-old rapper, Bonface Sean Katoma, musically known as ‘Face,’ shares that his greatest muses are his daughter Jordin & Jean. Brought up in the streets of Boksburg, Reiger park to be specific, Face recalls how being of Malawian descent; did not only mean that he ‘looked different but also spoke, and behaved differently,’ he adds. […]

Have you ever composed your own ringtone? Modia Shole worked his magic with Nokia 3310’s composer feature back in the day! Modia Shole is a music composer for film and television scoring. He has produced music scores for film and television projects such as: ✔️The Last Fight on @amazonprime ✔️ The Ground Beneath her Feet […]

Sete, a single K.O. released a month ago, which features Young Stunna and Blxckie is doing exceptionally well on all music streaming platforms. The music video has also amassed over 7 million views on YouTube in 3 weeks. Currently, the video is trending at number 2 on YouTube.

Nayshen SA’s brand new album titled GENESIS went live on all streaming platforms. Genesis is a 10-track project with many exciting features. Nayshen shares that this is his first ever studio album that crosses over into mainstream “following several accolades received” from singles he previously dropped. “I feel this is the first chapter of my […]

Fizzy Mogz dropped a single titled ‘Monate Waiketsetswa’, which directly translates as ‘you make your own fun.’ The song is definitely a summer track. Fizzy and his features sing about good times and creating your own fun. It also lends itself to a nostalgic Kwaito vibe. Stream it here: www.distrokid.com/hyperfollow/fizzymogz/monate-waiketsetswa-dirty-edit Follow Fizzy Mogz: Facebook: www.facebook.com/FizzyMogz642 […]

Sheer Publishing client, Jbwai’s new EP features tracks such as “Kalamity,” which talks about daily life struggles leading to success. It also features “Into You” ft Nigerian superstar, Waje, which talks about “that dream love life that a lot of people wish to be involved in,” says Jbwai. “My inspiration for some of these songs […]

When Bey sampled Kelis & didn’t tell her. Was this wrong? For this month’s exclusive content, Sheer shares its first installment from a new educational series regarding publishing best practices and the legalities and correct music industry conduct. In this particular episode, we expand on the world of sampling. What is the ethical and legal […]

Have you ever been on the dance floor and heard remnants of your favourite old skool jam in a contemporary club bagger? The breaking out in sporadic moments of singing along or getting that familiar feeling from the drum of the baseline. Knowing you may not have heard that particular song prior but have had […]

We are very pleased to present two of our latest sync placements! ‘Meet the fits of your reality’ MRP commercial Client: Mr. Price Fashion Commercial Medium: TV (commercial) Sheer Composer: Aminé Song: Charmander Sync: Young, Famous & African Season 1 Client: Urban Brew Medium: Reality TV series Sheer Composer: Cassper Nyovest Song: Naaa Meaan

What type of music are agencies and production houses looking for? Our Sync coordinator Kgotso Masithela shares some key tips for sync producers (see the video below). Producers, get producing then register on our library to get exposure to our clients!

FrenzyOffixial, the Nigerian-born, South Africa adored music superstar, moves easily throughout Africa and the world, between his native Afro-Beat, pop, Amapiano, and Fela. His musical range speaks to the 21st-century youth. In what might seem like a short while, FrenzyOffixial has released high-impact music including; ‘Blessings’ (2019), ‘Ire EP’ (2020) and ‘Skata’ featuring Phelo Bala […]

Born Kagiso Mashiane, better known as KayGee Daking was born and bred in Soweto (Naledi Ext). Born 01 December 1994 at Baragwanath Hospital He’s a father to one beautiful girl named Amogelang. Kagiso is a passionate focused Entrepreneur / Musician who wants to achieve more in his lifetime. He is also a presenter and was […]

Born Buhle Zizi, widely known by her stage name Bizizi, is a musician, dancer, and songwriter. Her stage name arose from her initials B.Z. She was born and bred in Soweto (White City, Jabavu) on the 25th of October 1994. She graduated from Varsity College with a Public Relations Diploma in 201, while she was […]

Phila Madlingozi successfully created a name for himself outside of his father Ringo Madingozi’s shadow. After he defined what he wanted to do early in life, the star actor followed his passion, and today, he is one of the young celebrities that many South African youth look forward to watching on stage. Madlingozi is multi-talented, […]

Sheer Publishing is pleased to launch an educational series regarding publishing and what makes the publishing engine run. In this particular episode, we look at Sync. First of all, what is it? Watch the video to hear our Sync Co-Ordinator, Kgotso Masithela’s answer

Real name Langelihle Zondi, BlackBoyFly is a South African Musician based in Johannesburg.  His music interest started at the age of 10 in 2009 as a rapper back in his hometown of Durban. While pursuing rapping he decided to take his music more seriously by doing research on the music production and music industry, which […]

Brenda Mtambo was one of the headline acts at Fête de la Musique recently alongside BCUC, Urban Village, and Azah. The exciting event took place on 18 June across four different venues simultaneously around Johannesburg and Soweto, this free-for-all music festival is back in full swing after two years of Covid-related disruption – aiming to […]

We are very pleased to present two of our latest sync placements for clients Nestlé KitKat and McDonald’s South Africa! Nestlé KitKat Song: Change the world (Reworked) Client – McDonald’s South Africa Song: Johnny Nash – I can’t clearly (Reworked) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-WrL1bNbMgY

Award-nominated artist, LVNDN, formally known as Loui LVNDN, sits down with Sheer Publishing and shares his plans to rebrand and gives us a sneak peek into his upcoming projects. In the video, LVNDN speaks about his hiatus and how it helped him rediscover his brand. Award-nominated artist, LVNDN, formally known as Loui LVNDN, sits down […]

The nominees for the 2022 Independent National Gospel Music Awards (INGOMAs) were announced at the weekend ahead of the awards ceremony at the Red Conference Centre in Johannesburg, South Africa, on 27 August. Sheer clients Puleng March, Ncebekazi Msomi, and Kingdmusic were among the nominees and we congratulate them for their nominations. “We are dedicated […]

Hip-hop group Black All has released a remake of the world hit Impi by the late Johnny Clegg and Juluka. The remix, which is called Amabhubesi (Lions), featuring Juluka, has a hip-hop feel and was dropped on streaming platforms and social media on March 31. It will be released officially to all digital stores on April 30. The original […]

Award-winning music composer, Brendan Jury, sits down with Sheer Publishing and lets us in on his art. In the video, Jury covers everything from his art ‘process’ to the critical part that Sheer Publishing plays in his prolific career. The South African composer has worked on broadcast television series such as ‘The River, ‘The Wife’, […]

Nyakallo Simphiwe Matlanyane, popularly known by her stage name ‘Kallo’ is a singer/songwriter from a suburb near the CBD of Johannesburg called Bez-Valley. She has been in the game for half a decade and has made a name for herself in her small community. The singer-songwriter has been singing since the tender age of four […]

Jitsvinger is an Afrikaaps (Afrikaans with local Cape Town dialect) vernacular and KykNet Fiesta-award-winning performer who combines poetry, self-composed music, and theatre. He started his ascent into the music arena in the mid-90s eventually releasing his self-written debut album Skeletsleutel in 2007.   In addition to Jitsvinger’s solo work, he has collaborated on various projects since […]

Otsile Mvundla also known as Die Mondez; a recording artist, originally from Pretoria North, found his passion for music at the age of 12. Die Mondez, under the independent label PiFF Audio; released his first unofficial solo project in 2017 titled “Far From Basic” and since then has been working on perfecting his craft. This […]

In 1994 in Stellenbosch, a group of musicians was trying to come up with a catchy name for their new band. In passing one of the members mentioned the semi-naked girls on the covers of the infamous MFP Springbok Hit Parade albums of the ’70s. “Oh, those Springbok Nude Girls”, that could be a good […]

Full name: Theology Mathebula 1. What’s your stage name? TheologyHD 2. What inspired this name? The Love I got from my community and the love i got from my mother is what inspired the growth of my name 3. What’s your background? It’s a great background 4. How has your background shaped your musical craft? […]

Fresh in the hot seat at Sheer Publishing, a subsidiary of Downtown Music Services (DMH), the newly appointed Managing Director, Thando Makhunga, is already stirring the pot. Eager to use her new position to not only grow the global demand for African music but to improve accessibility and commercial opportunities for local creators. With a vast background in […]

Fresh in the hot seat at Sheer Publishing, a subsidiary of Downtown Music Services (DMH), newly appointed managing director, Thando Makhunga, is already stirring the pot. Eager to use her new position to not only grow the global demand for African music but to improve accessibility and commercial opportunities for local creators. With a vast […]

Roc Lefatshe Records is an award-winning record label and multimedia entertainment company out of Botswana, Southern Africa. Committed to quality, wholesome entertainment without compromising commercial appeal the label has also collaborated with other artists and labels and produced multiple award-winning audio works, both locally and internationally. The label has also proved inspirational and motivational with […]

Downtown Music Holdings announced today that it has acquired South Africa-based Sheer Music Publishing, the largest independent music publisher in Africa. Building on a long-standing relationship between Sheer and Downtown’s eponymous music publishing division, this acquisition formally expands the company’s geographic footprint to the African continent, while also providing the African music industry greater access to artist and label services available […]

Emerging hip hop artist OB Magik has released his anticipated project “For the taking”. The 7- track EP features MusiholiQ and Abdus. Listen to the EP here – https://cca.ffm.to/forthetaking After having released a string of singles this year such as ‘Special’, ‘Bathi’, ‘Love me now ‘and the latest single release from the ep ‘On The […]

Synch for the new Liqui Fruit TVC featuring the lovely Lira and Prince Kaybee’s new Amapiano remix of “Feel Good”. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dz9kySl7N-U

Artist: Mandoza Title: 50/50

The Ghana Music Awards UK (GMAUK) 2021 took place on 9 October at The Royal Regency in the United Kingdom. With performances from the likes of Kofi Jamar, Gyakie, Fameye, Kweku Darlington, and more, it is no doubt that the event was well attended by both Ghanaian artists and their representatives. Also in attendance, and […]

Chris Bright Chukwu, who is popularly known as Chris Bright is an upcoming Christian musician from Nigeria. He’s a singer-songwriter, recording artist, and musician. Chris has been in and around the gospel music industry for a while, in which time he has done background vocals both on stage and on some popular gospel records out […]

Pastor Buhle Thela was born on 5 November 1987. She is a born-again Believer rooted in the word of God. She ascended the platform to lead the congregation into worship and she was ordained as a Pastor at Gateway Church International in Bronkhorstspruit in 2016 under the leadership of Pastor Leuba Modiba and Reverend Judith […]

Luu Nineleven, born Njabulo Luyanda Mazibuko is a Soweto producer, Dj, and remixer currently specializing in the popular amapiano sound. From a tender age, Luu was exposed to unique and quality musical sounds inspired by his mother and family at large, this then led to the start of his musical career in 2008 when he […]

Tony Fanequisso was born in Maputo on June 1st, 1960, son of Timóteo Fanequisso Nyambir and Ana Augusto Pango Nyacumba, and weeks after his birth he went to live in Inhambane. His interest in music started when he was still a child when he wrote the song ‘Pasiar una uya’, which means “go for a […]

#YouAreTheReason Powerful music video launches nationwide campaign in support of maternal and infant mental health Using the power of music, the emotive video #YouAreTheReason was launched as a national campaign in support of maternal and infant mental health, introduced at the virtual symposium “Prioritising mothers, infants, and healthy beginnings”. This virtual webinar was hosted by […]

‘Bantu Time’ is the debut independent release of Simmy Sims, which was released in late November 2020. The album is a genre-bending body of work that Sims has coined ‘Township Pop’, a fusion of ethnic and eclectic modern African sounds including Isicathamiya, Mbaqang’, High-Life, Kwaito, and AmaPiano. The album comes almost exactly a year to […]

Kabelo Eric Kgaodi is an International Winning minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He has worked at length from 2007 to date as a composer, motivational speaker, musician, and inspirational continuity role model to thousands of youth in the nation of Botswana. Eric has worked with and featured some of the de la creams […]

Thabang Sylvester Garogwe is a charismatic and captivating music artist from Botswana. He is also the owner of the Soul Haven record label, responsible for producing the hits ‘Ke A Gana’ and ‘Moratiwa Nkamogele’. In 2012 his debut album ‘Ke A Gana’ received a nomination for ‘Best Jazz Album’ at the 4th Botswana Music Union […]

Msakha Mona is a social commentator, educator, and entertainer. Music is one of the avenues that Msakha uses to fulfill his calling. Born in Mpumalanga, South Africa in 1990, Msakha also lived in Gauteng and Western Cape. Having experienced the violence of inequality and poverty, especially in the townships and the rural areas where he […]

Kgomotso, known creatively as Tsoness, is a singer, songwriter, poet, writer, and stage performer from South Africa, Gauteng, Soweto. Musically she can be described as a soulful charismatic singer who delivers with light but emotional husky undertones. Her music is described as Indie World music that fuses her native language, Setswana, with English. Through her […]

Campaign: MTN Let’s #Remake2020 Track: Ungazincishi Artist: Riky Rick https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sKiikRyQzGA https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aTZkne7Vb9k https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WeJblk5PTR8

Campaign: Brutal Fruit #YouBelong Track: You Don’t Own Me (via) Warner Music

1. What’s your stage name? AirDee 2.What inspired this name? My producer name was actually inspired by my real name “Eddy” which is short for Edward. 3. What is your background? I was born in Dewertsdorp, Free State, and grew up in the city of roses Bloemfontein. My real name is Edward Mohlomi Ramolula otherwise […]

Loyiso “LUWI Music” Turwana works in a call center, but when this 33-year-old from Langa is not answering the phone, he’s making a name for himself in the music business. His hit single, “Stay With Me”, has been making a buzz online across the country. He brings us yet another hit under his belt, “Ufuna […]

KINGDMUSIC, born Denga Takalani, is a South African multi-award-winning gospel/Christian singer, songwriter, radio presenter, actor, and a worship leader at Hillsong church South Africa. The vibrant musician started singing at his then home church at the age of 12. By the age of 14, he had started writing his own songs and also recorded his […]

Humanitarian, RuFF CuTT Studio owner and recording multi-platinum selling South African Reggae / Hip-Hop artiste Menelik Nesta Gibbons aka Don Dada determined to raise and promote “Alkebulan“ as an important part of black history that must become known as OurStory has officially released his highly anticipated Album, “Alkebulan“. The album’s release coincides with the African […]

Women in Music (WIM) has launched a South African chapter of the NPO, which seeks to educate, empower, and advance women in the music industry. The launch of the chapter coincides with Women’s Month and marks a step forward in the local music industry. WIM SA’s founding members include Keke Mokoena (Keke Mokoena Brands), Tumi […]

“Self-worth and confidence can bring you growth by also staying true to your brand, music is a way of healing the minds and hearts of the broken hearts behind closed doors,” says Sango Xhosa, Sango who is a hip hop and afro-pop artist and hails from Oudtshoorn and now currently in Pretoria because of a […]

Mbare born Zimbabwean talented crooner, David Machaka has been signed to Sheer Distributors and will on 25th August 2020 release his 12-track debut studio album titled ‘Kwachena’. His rich concoction of African rich rhythms and superb vocals explains why the same distributors who once worked with international icons Oliver Mutukudzi and Hugh Masekela would choose […]

Born and bred in the city of Emalahleni, Mpumalanga, Lebohang Kgapola is a middle child of three, raised in a Christian home where her burning passion for singing began in church at the tender age of 7. Her professional career began in 2011 when she moved to Pretoria and played with bands like Just Friends, […]

In honour of Women’s Month, a client of Sheer’s and two other Durban’s forefront fiery female artists have joined forces to release a fun fresh single that is guaranteed to leave you feeling empowered and ignited. The single titled Aybo, as well as the Official Music Video for it, was released 09/08/2020. The title Aybo is […]

South African born Hip Hop recording artist J Malone grew up in a world with deep influence from his family, ties to 80’s golden era & 90’s hip hop music. J. Malone’s bold style of Hip Hop and R&B, producing skills, song arrangements, and songwriting abilities have landed him in the spotlight with American rapper/actor […]

On Wednesday 15th July, The South African Music Awards, announced the nominations for the 26th edition the SAMA’s, amongst the nominees is the conscious story-teller and intentional singer-songwriter Pilani Bubu (36). The contemporary folk-soul Singer Pilani Bubu released her third album ‘Folklore-Chapter 1’ in November 2019. The singer stated that this is a proof of […]

Early’s Big5 is proud to honor and add to Busi Mhlongo’s legacy with a premier release of her legendary 2001 Awesome Africa Festival concert. We are also delighted to shout out with Matsuli Music in celebrating the release of Urbanuzlu on vinyl for the first time. In marking the June 15th date as the 10th […]

We Will Worship is a band that has successfully crafted a style for a new generation of South African gospel lover. Deeply grounded in traditional South African gospel sounds, yet fused with a distinct creative flair, their music has made major inroads within the gospel scene and has made them forerunners within the contemporary gospel […]

Music streaming service Mdundo (which is active in Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, Uganda, Mozambique, Zambia and Zimbabwe) has partnered with AudioLock to crack down on online piracy across Africa. They have announced that together they have removed over 181,000 infringing links from Google alone that were leading to unlicensed music by African acts. Mdundo says […]

Driven by a music-hungry fan base that is young and mobile-friendly, the continent’s music consumption is fast-growing and reaching global audiences thanks to streaming. Despite different local realities from one market to the next, there is a common will to unite among African artists and music professionals to build sustainable music ecosystems and to create […]

Soweto born beats maker Tumelo Mathebula (AKA Tweezy) released the 3rd edition of his God Level beats tape series titled “God level 3” on Friday, June 1st, 2019. The EP is available on Apple Music, Spotify, Google play and Deezer. Follow Tweezy on social media: Instagram:@tweezyza Twitter: TweezyZA Facebook: /iamtweezyza

What’s your name? My name is Tetu Shani Where are you come from? Nairobi, Kenya How long have you been composing? I’ve been writing songs since 2014 What is your creative process? How do you start creating a beat & how do you start writing lyrics to a beat? I don’t have a single creative […]

Some of the Sheer Publishing team were invited to attend the launch of the Small Speaker Sessions this past month. The event took place at the Africori Offices in Dunkeld West. The #smallspeakersessions is a concept created by musician, Siphesihle Siswana (AKA Garde) and the idea is to host music concerts in spaces where, previously, […]

Our Creative Manager, Mpumi Phillips attended this year’s Canadian Music Week where she met with various music supervisors and sat on a panel alongside market specialists, labels, publishers, managers, agents, talent buyers, concert promoters, and industry decision makers for CMW’s first-ever official mission from South Africa. The aim was to discover entry points for the […]

1. How did you get into the music industry? Well I’ve just barely entered but I’m making progress due to the biggest factors I’ve discovered, which are good vibes, good music, and good talent. 2. How has your sound and persona transformed over the course of your career? My sound has become more diverse and […]

Sheer Publishing is proud of is clients who received South African Music Award (SAMA 25) nominations (listed below). The Award ceremony will take place on 1 June at Sun City. Best Jazz Album Sibsusiso Mash Mashiloane ‘Closer to Home’ Best Reggae Album Bongo Riot ‘Next Levels’ Best HipHop Album Nasty C ‘Strings & Bling’ Best […]

What’s your name? Setshaba “Space Save Logic” Phalane Where do you come from? Pretoria How long have you been composing? 8 years What is your creative process? How do you start creating a beat? / How do you start writing lyrics to a beat? I start with creating a melody on FL Studio and then […]

Kenyan collective management organizations (CMOs) and music streaming platform Songa this week signed an agreement that will see creators’ streaming rates increase by 10%. Music Copyright Society of Kenya (MCSK) chairperson Japheth Kasanga told Music In Africa that the agreement would favour the 8 000 Kenyan artists registered on the streaming service, and called the move a significant step towards providing a […]

Source – MIDEM

The Music In Africa Conference for Collaborations, Exchange and Showcases (ACCES) invites African musicians based on the continent to apply for an opportunity to showcase at ACCES 2019 in Accra, Ghana, from 14 to 16 November.ACCES, which is organised by the Music In Africa Foundation (MIAF) in a different African city every year, will offer a robust programme […]

Sheer is proud to announce its latest signing, legendary South African music producer and founder of multi-media powerhouse Kaleidosound, Gabi le Roux. Together with kwaito star Mandoza, Le Roux is responsible for the biggest South African crossover hit in history. ‘Nkalakatha’ and its follow up, ‘Godoba’ both earned Sama Awards (South African Music Awards) for […]

Sheer is overwhelmed with pride at the announcement of Brendan Jury’s win for Best Achievement in an Original Score for telenovela “The River” at the South African Film and Television Awards held on the 2nd of March. An accomplished composer, producer, musical director and musician, Brendan’s heart is in every one of his compositions. He […]

How did you get into the music industry? In 2008 I decided to sing and learn how to produce my own songs. Along the way I found myself producing for other up-coming artist and even a few mainstream artists. It gradually grew to winning awards and working award winning A-list artists. How has your sound […]

Downtown Music Publishing has entered into a worldwide publishing agreement with songwriter and recording artist Shaggy. The deal covers his entire catalog of 12 studio albums as well as future releases. Shaggy’s album with Sting, 44/876 received Best Reggae Album at last week’s Grammy Awards. The agreement was announced ahead of Shaggy’s upcoming solo album […]

The Godfathers Of Deep House SA is a leading Deep House Music Production company which is a vision that is created and founded by Masia Mashapa run under The Godfada Recording Label. It is a deep house movement distributing its locally produced content digitally and garnering great love and support in South Africa and Internationally. […]

Who are you? I am Mongezi Cokisa aka “D Mongz” founder of D Mongz Music Productions. What’s your background? Born and raised in Sasolburg (Free State). Completed Matric in Sasolburg Technical High School. I fell in love with music when I received my first Casio keyboard as a pre-school gift from my parents. I further […]

MPASA Copyright Amendment Bill Educational Workshop The Music Publishers’ Association of South Africa will be hosting an educational workshop on the Copyright Amendment Bill, with a specific focus on how the Bill will affect royalty earnings. Keynote speakers and special guests include Wiseman Ngubo – head of Legal and Business Affairs at Capasso, Nhlanhla Sibisi […]

The Sheer family extends a warm welcome to its newest staff members, Mpho Nthuli, Busisiwe Mhlambi, and Luyanda Mbhele. Mpho will be joining our Gospel Division, Busisiwe will be joining the Copyright Department and Luyanda our Creative Team We are super excited to have them on board!

The 2018 instalment of the Botswana International Music Conference (BIMC) will be held at the National Museum in Gaborone from 28 to 30 November. The event, which is in its fourth edition, will run under the theme The Long Walk to Change. Confirmed speakers include Paulo Chibanga (Azgo Festival, Mozambique), Karabo Motijoane (Sheer Publishing, South Africa), Sechaba […]

  The EU Commission has emphatically rejected the sharp criticism of YouTube boss Susan Wojcicki on the planned reform of EU copyright law. Anyone who has anything useful and constructive to contribute to the current legislative process is very welcome, said a spokesman for the Brussels authority on Tuesday. However, using this process to claim that the […]

On the 31st of July 2018, South Africa lost an icon, Dr Nhlanhla Brian Thusi. An internationally acclaimed jazz legend, accomplished scholar and renowned producer, Brian has left a remarkable legacy for impassioned musicians and academics to aspire to. His love for developing young talent and uplifting the community through the arts will live on […]

IMPF and AIMP held its 3rd Annual Indie Music Publishers Breakfast last week at Midem. Some 150 indie music publishers, members and friends attended the increasingly popular ‘meet and greet’ networking event which was part of the busy roster of business meetings held throughout the week. “The hour or so I spent at the breakfast was one […]

Since 1967 the MIDEM trade show has been organised annually in and around the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès in Cannes, France. MIDEM is billed as the leading international business event for the music ecosystem, whereby several thousand musicians, producers, agents, managers, lawyers, executives, entrepreneurs and journalists from around the globe regularly attend the event. MIDEM provides a forum […]

Come and hear David Alexander explain the workings of the music publishing business and how you need to protect yourself in a world where the digitisation of everything is leading to a reduction in earnings for songwriters all over the world. Areas that will be focused on include:  So you wrote a song and it’s […]

UMG’s acquisition of a majority stake in Kenya’s AI Records is the latest deal this year that indicate the music industry is beginning to recognise Africa’s potential as a music mecca and profit center. For longtime followers of African music, the March 5 announcement that Universal Music Group had acquired, through its Dutch subsidiary, a […]

The Independent Music Publishers Forum (IMPF), a grouping of 65 indie music publishers from around the world, held its annual General Assembly in London on March 07. A new Board of Directors for the term of 2018 – 2020 was elected at the meeting. Simon Platz – Bucks Music Group Ltd. (UK) Annette Barrett – […]