David Alexander
David Alexander is the Managing Director of Sheer Publishing (Pty) Ltd, the fastest growing independent music publishing companies in South Africa. Sheer Publishing represents South African songs and songwriters for the world amongst their clients are; Simpiwe Dana, Thomas Chauke, Chris Chameleon, Mandoza, Kabelo and Jeff Maluleke. Sheer Publishing also represents international Publishers for Southern Africa and Africa – some of their clients are Kobalt Music, Reverb Music, World Circuit, Budde Music, Chimurenga Music (USA) Rh Pozitif Publishing and Roba Music Publishing.
David serves as the Vice Chairman of NORM (National Organisation for Reproduction Rights in Music, which is the body that represents the music publishers in South Africa. Norm is also a mechanical collection society and has agreements with the recording industry, broadcasters as well as internet and mobile operators.
David is also the Treasurer for Moshito, a cross-industry conference that happens annually and from 10 to 13 September 2008 it held its 5th edition. Moshito attracts delegates from all over Africa to discuss issues facing the music industry and to look at new business opportunities.
David is also the Chairman of Samex (South African Music Exports) which along with Moshito is the host of the South Africa National Pavilion at Midem which in 2007 had its 3rd edition.
David serves on the Creative Industries Chamber within the MAPPP Seta where he gives input to government on training and development in the music industry.
David has given papers and served on panels at music industry conferences such as Porto Musicale (The Brazilian Music Exhibition) and the Wami Conference (Western Australian Music Industry) as well as at Moshito.
David lectures a course on Music Business which he has written called “A Practical Guide to the South African Music Business”. He lectures new entrants to the industry through the Mappp Seta learner ships and various South African University programmes as well as established artists and writers through organisations such as the Midi Trust.
David has a Bachelor of Social Science degree from the University of Cape Town, a Post Graduate Diploma in Business Administration from Thames Valley University and has completed various World intellectual Property Organisation courses on Copyright and related subjects.