SA: Thando Makhunga appointed Sheer Publishing Africa managing director

Makhunga will be based in Johannesburg and will report to Downtown Music Services (DMS) global president Mike Smith. DMS offers distribution, publishing administration, marketing and finance solutions to creators.

The company says her new role will include “leveraging the expertise, services and technology at Sheer” to enhance business development in the region and offer more value for African creators.

“Thando is a proven executive who has an amazing track record in the radio industry, strong links with artists and labels, and is highly thought of throughout the wider African music industry,” Smith said. “Her experience, energy and insight will be a major asset for Sheer Publishing Africa and she will play a major role in consolidating the company’s reputation as a market leader and expanding its already excellent expertise, services and technology.”

Makhunga said: “I’m thrilled to be taking this new role at such an exciting time for Downtown Music Services and Sheer. The opportunity to shape, support and enable increased growth for clients with improved offerings is exhilarating and rewarding. At our core, we nurture, curate and protect the artistic legacies of some of the best creators in Africa and that is an honour”.

Makhunga joins DMS from her previous role as station manager at 947, a commercial radio station in South Africa. Prior to that position, she held various roles at several stations including East Coast Radio, KFM 94.5 and Vuma FM.

Makhunga replaces Sheer founder David Alexander, who took on the role of senior vice-president of new markets at Downtown Music Holdings in June last year.

Sheer was established in 1996 and acquired by Downtown in 2020. Downtown says it aims to promote African music by improving its accessibility, commercial opportunities and global reach. It manages about 23 million music assets on behalf of more than 1 million creators and 2 500 enterprise clients, making it the biggest pure-play service provider in the global music industry.