Climbing the charts to equality, Sheer Publishing Africa are championing women in the music industry
Pictured: Brenda Mtambo
There’s no doubt that men have dominated the music industry in the past, making it harder for female creatives – whether it be singers, songwriters, or producers – to break into the market. However, things are slowly changing. We look at artists such as Taylor Swift, Adele, Billie Eilish, Alicia Keys, Beyonće, and there are many more, who have fought their way to the top, made a name for themselves and are advocating for their female counterparts to do the same.
South Africa has a rich musical history with women icons across generations from Miriam Makeba, Brenda Fassie and Busi Mhlongo to LeboMathosa and Zahara.
As Africa’s leading independent music publisher, Sheer Publishing Africa, is committed to supporting the new generation of female creatives in the industry. In their venture to do so, the proactive music publisher sponsored the ‘Songwriter of The Year’ award at the 2024 Basadi in Music Awards, which took place on August 10, at the Joburg Theatre in Braamfontein, Johannesburg.
Founded in 2022, Basadi in Music Awards is an award ceremony that celebrates and honours women in 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, took home the prestigious ‘Songwriter of The Year’ prize, for her song Bhaluyacima.
The songwriter took to social media with much gratitude and grace, 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. Thank you to everyone who has been a sum total of everything I am today.”
Singer songwriter and Sheer Publishing client LwahNdunkulu won the ‘Most Streamed Song’ award as well as the highly coveted ‘Artist of the Year’ award.
Managing Director of Sheer Publishing Africa, Thando Makhunga adds, “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.”
Sheer celebrates all the phenomenal nominees in the Basadi in Music Awards and continue to honour female talent and achievements in the music industry.
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, as well as singer and Blood and Water actress, Khosi Ngema.
Pictured: Anele Zondo
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. The KZN born and bred young lady of many achievements started experimenting with presenting when she was only 16-years-old. She clawed her way to the top with much determination and poise, and recently announced the release of her debut EP.
Pictured: Khosi Ngema
Furthermore, Khosi Ngema also joins the Sheer Publishing family and is a true inspiration to young female creatives. She burst onto the scene as Fikile Bhele in the 2020 Netflix series Blood and Water. A multifaceted superstar, Khosi’s talent extends far beyond acting. She is also a talented model and multi-instrumentalist and released her debut single ‘Why’ in March this year. The song is testament to her creativity and resilience as dynamic force in the industry.
