Sheer Music Publishing, Africa’s largest indie pubco, has inked Nigerian artist Iyanya.

The R&B and Afro-pop singer is best known for singles like “Applaudise” f/D’banji, “Baby Daddy” f/Banky W, “Again” f/Seyi Shay and “Awade'' f/Dammy Krane.

“With this partnership, I aim to streamline the complexities the music industry is known for, harness my creativity and administer the collection of my royalties effectively,” shared Iyanya.

Since winning The Project Fame West Africa in 2008, Iyanya has released three studio albums, including his 2011 debut, My Story, 2013’s Desire—which yielded the Dtunes-produced single, “Kukere,” and “Ur Waist” with Emma Nyra—and 2015’s Applaudise LP, as well as hits like “Biko” and “Up 2 Sumting.”

“All of us at Sheer are excited to represent a songwriter of Iyanya’s stature and versatility,” added David Alexander, Managing Director of Sheer. “My long-term belief is that the rest of African music will become as interwoven with global popular culture.”

The deal arrives after Sheer Music’s acquisition by Downtown Music Holdings in 2020 and follows a string of expansions into Africa this year, including UMG’s deal with Africa’s Boomplay and Ingroove’s acquisition of Africa’s independent music distributor, Electromode.

Ayana joins a roster that includes Anatii and Salatiel, from Beyoncé’s The Lion King, as well as Jeremy Loops, who’s working on multiple projects with Jake Gosling. Sheer artists have also landed syncs Netflix’s Blood & Wateras well as South African shows and films like The Girl from St Agnes, Trackers, Still Breathing and Dam.