Thando Makhunga is a dynamic South African music industry executive and thought leader. As Managing Director of Downtown Music Publishing Africa—Africa’s largest independent music publisher—she drives strategic growth, negotiates major deals, and spearheads catalogue acquisitions across the continent and beyond. Under her leadership, the company has expanded its international footprint, securing partnerships with leading global brands and tirelessly advocating for the rights of African creators.

In early 2025, Thando was named to Billboard’s Global Power Players list, recognising her influence on the worldwide music landscape. That same year, she was appointed Chairperson of Music Ecosystems, a global organisation led by renowned researcher Dr Shain Shapiro, dedicated to advancing research, policy, and best practice on how music contributes to economic, social, and human development.

Thando also serves on the board of the Composers, Authors and Publishers Association (CAPASSO). Since 2024, she has been Chairperson of the Music Publishers Association of South Africa—making history as the first Black woman in that role. In 2024, she was named Vice Chairperson of the Africa Regional Group of the International Confederation of Music Publishers (ICMP), furthering her commitment to promoting African music on the global stage.

A passionate advocate for social change, Thando is also Chairperson of RAD (Rise Above Development), a Cape Town-based non-profit organisation that empowers youth through music, education, and wellness programmes. Her leadership has strengthened RAD’s visibility, outreach, and programme impact in underserved communities.

Earlier in her career, Thando was Group Music Manager at Primedia Broadcasting, where she shaped music strategy and regulatory-compliance systems across multiple radio brands. An accredited executive coach, she mentors creative professionals and corporate leaders, helping them develop their unique value propositions and storytelling skills for business success.