The independent music publisher, Sheer Publishing Africa, is committed to supporting the new generation of female creatives in the industry. As part of this, the music publisher sponsored the ‘Songwriter of The Year’ award at the 2024 Basadi in Music Awards, which took place this month – August – at the Joburg Theatre in Braamfontein, Johannesburg.
Founded in 2022, Basadi in Music Awards is an award ceremony that celebrates and honours women in the South African music industry. This includes singers, rappers, DJs, composers, producers and various creatives in the music ecosystem. Voted for by the public, the spirit of the awards is to uplift, celebrate and showcase just what women can achieve when given the platform to shine.
Afro soul artist, Brenda Mtambo (pictured above), took home the prestigious ‘Songwriter of The Year’ prize, for her song Bhaluyacima.
The songwriter took to social media, saying, “I’ve always said I’m first a writer before I’m a singer and as I write this caption I’m literally lost for words. Writing music has healed me in so many ways, I’ve spent years journaling and singing myself through life and seeing you loving my songs and supporting me has been my greatest blessing. Thank you for journeying with me. I dedicate this award to my grandmother who I wish would have lived a couple more days to witness last night. maBiyela I know you are celebrating me where you are.”
Singer songwriter and Sheer Publishing client Lwah Ndunkulu won the ‘Most Streamed Song’ award as well as the highly coveted ‘Artist of the Year’ award.
Recent signings
Managing Director of Sheer Publishing Africa, Thando Makhunga says, “At Sheer Publishing, we are proud to support and celebrate the achievements of women who are not only shaping the future of African music but also leading the way for the next generation of artists.”
And while August may be Women’s Month, but the local publisher celebrates female music professionals all year round, with recent signings that include rapper and hitmaker, Anele Zondo (pictured right), as well as singer and Blood and Water actress, Khosi Ngema.
Anele Zondo aka ‘Ney The Bae’, who recently gave birth to a baby girl, has amassed over 900,000 followers on Instagram. More than just an influencer, Anele is best known for hosting Massive Music on DStv’s Mzansi Magic and for her role as Faith on the popular television show The River. TKZN born and bred, she recently announced the release of her debut EP.
Furthermore, Khosi Ngema also joins the Sheer Publishing family and is an inspiration to young female creatives. She burst onto the scene as Fikile Bhele in the 2020 Netflix series Blood and Water, and is also a talented model and multi-instrumentalist, releasing her debut single Why in March this year.
WS
