Sheer Music Publishing announces new Ghanaian signings

The move arrives a year after Sheer secured the signatures of six other West African acts as part of the company’s expansion efforts after it was acquired by Downtown Music Holdings in May 2020. The new signings join fellow Ghanaians Wendy Shay, Bullet and Kaywa as well as Nigeria’s Eedris Abdulkareem, Ado Gwanja, Tunde and Iyanya, who signed with Sheer in March 2021.

Kofi Kinaata is renowned locally for his unique rap style and lyrical dexterity. The highlife singer is best known for tracks such as ‘Sweetie Pie’, ‘Confession’ and ‘Things Fall Apart’, among others. He is the recipient of multiple honours including the Songwriter of the Year at the Vodafone Ghana Music Awards three consecutive times.

Born Emmanuel Owusu-Bonsu, Wanlov the Kubolor is behind some 10 albums as a solo act and as part of the satirical pop duo FOKN Bois. He also co-wrote and co-produced Alostmen’s Kologo album which won the 2021 Songlines Newcomer of the Year Award.

Sister Deborah, who moonlights as a fashion designer and creative director, is best known for her viral hit ‘Uncle Obama’. Other singles from the singer include ‘Ghana Jollof’, ‘Kakalika Love’, ‘Pure Water’ and ‘Odolastic’. She is also behind The African Mermaid EP.

Sheer Publishing senior copyright administrator and client liaison for West and Central Africa Seidu Iddrisu said it was the company’s goal to grow its client base in Africa and the diaspora, and he had been touring the continent in search of opportunities for cultural exchange.

“The aim is to ensure that not only artists are being compensated for their works, but more importantly that the artist is educated and has a solid understanding of music publishing and how to position themselves to achieve market recognition,” Iddrisu said.

Sheer was founded in 1996 and is Africa’s largest independent music publisher, providing expertise in music copyright ownership and management, film and television music clearance and supervision, and jingle and songwriter representation, among other services.