Celebrating 21 years of exceptional success since its launch in 1996, Sheer Publishing has cemented itself as Africa’s leading independent publishing house. Representing a large group of writers and catalogues in the gospel genre, it’s clear as to why Sheer Publishing continues to be an industry leader and was crowned ‘Publisher of the Year’ at the 2014 Wawela Music awards, which saw the last time this particular award was contested.

Publishing representation remains essential to songwriters as it protects the key element of any artist’s music – the writing of the song. The power of a great song is what has launched countless musical careers and no message is stronger than that, as conveyed in a gospel song.

Sheer Publishing represents South African songwriters such as Mahalia Buchanan, Malibongwe Gcwabe, Worship House, Ps Solly Mahlangu, Mahalia Buchanan, Veliswa Skeyi, Dr Tumi, Patrick Duncan, Dudu Tsobane, Janine Price, The Movement (Langa Mbonambi), Kholeka, Sibongiseni Mbhele, Redeemed, Faith Khanyile (Glory of the Last Days), KZN Gospel Choir, Mawat, Xolani Mdlalose and international gospel writers through Hillsong, Song Solutions and Capitol CMG. Many of the writers already tour South Africa and Sheer Publishing looks to encourage cover versions and collaborations between local and international artists, ensuring the building of a platform for them in Africa.

The opportunity of connecting local gospel artists with international names represented by Sheer Publishing makes for exciting times in crossing borders and reaching a vast audience.

“We are proud to be working with such amazing writers, and it is a privilege for us to continue shining a light onto the amazing songs written by these composers over the years and we will make sure that these songs continue to earn revenue for the writers in the years ahead” remarks Sheer Publishing Managing Director, David Alexander.

Sheer Publishing is a full-service music publisher, providing expertise in African music copyright ownership, international copyright management, film and television music, clearance and supervision, jingle and songwriter representation and library production music management.

For media queries, interview requests and access to high-resolution pictures contact JT Comms on media@jtcomms.co.za or 011 788 7632.

Issued by JT Communication Solutions on behalf of Sheer Publishing - www.sheerpublishing.co.za

Note to Editor:

Sheer Publishing is one of Africa’s largest independent Publishing houses and is currently looking to expand its client base within the African diaspora and seek to provide a comprehensive range of copyright services to their clients, domestic, continental and international.

A full-service, mid-sized independent publishing company that is quickly growing its market share, Sheer Publishing has experience of administrating intellectual property rights nationally and globally and has close links with collecting societies based all over the world. It is also a direct member of SAMRO, MCSK and COSON which are copyright collection societies in South Africa, Kenya and Nigeria respectively.

Capitol CMG is a division of Capitol Music Group, a Universal Music Group company. Over the years, the venture has grown from a scrappy family-owned independent music label to a multi-faceted business that includes Capitol CMG Label Group (Sparrow Records, Fore Front Records, Six Steps Records, Hillsong and Credential Recordings), Capitol CMG Publishing, Motown Gospel and Capitol Christian Distribution. The company's roster features top names in the Christian and gospel communities, among them Jeremy Camp, Michael W. Smith, Hillsong United, Smokie Norful, Tye Tribbett, Britt Nicole, David Crowder, Newsboys, Matt Redman, Tasha Cobbs, Colton Dixon, Mandisa, Matthew West, and Va Shawn Mitchell.

Song Solutions is a music publisher and administrator specialising in Christian & Gospel music with over 25 years of experience in handling every aspect of copyright administration worldwide.