Gospel Legend Kirk Franklin Partners with Insignia Assets to Expand Creative Reach
Gospel music icon Kirk Franklin is teaming up with Insignia Assets, the newly launched entertainment venture founded by Norman Gyamfi and Jonathan Jay. This strategic alliance brings together Franklin’s Fo Yo Soul Recordings and CLTRE Lab with Insignia’s broad portfolio, which spans music, publishing, film, television, touring, and live events. As part of the collaboration, Franklin will take on the role of Chief of Creative Services at Insignia Assets.
Set to receive the BET Ultimate Icon Award at the 2025 BET Awards on June 9, Franklin shared his vision:
“This partnership with Insignia is more than business—it’s about creating a platform where our stories, faith, and culture thrive. I’ve always believed in taking Gospel beyond the margins, where it can challenge, inspire, and connect on a deeper level. With Insignia, we now have the reach, resources, and creative freedom to do just that.”
The partnership kicks off with Franklin’s new single, “Do It Again,” releasing June 6. His media company, CLTRE Lab, will also collaborate with Insignia’s 3 Diamonds Entertainment on a new dinner conversation series, Den of Kings, hosted by Franklin. The debut episode, premiering June 15 on his YouTube channel for Father’s Day, will explore “Fatherhood” with guests D.C. Young Fly, Kountry Wayne, Lou Young, and Devale Ellis.
As part of the deal, 3 Diamonds Entertainment will co-produce selected scripted and unscripted projects from CLTRE Lab, providing both production services and financing to bring bold, original storytelling to life.
“We’ve had the pleasure of working with Kirk over the years—from the Kingdom album in 2022 to multiple sold-out arena tours,” said Norman Gyamfi, Co-Founder and CEO of Insignia Assets. “Today, we’re proud to welcome him to our executive team and deepen our partnership across music, film, touring, and digital content. This is a major step forward for us all.”
Insignia Assets is a Black-owned, self-funded entertainment company with a growing music portfolio that includes Christian and Gospel labels Tribl Records, Maverick City Music, and Fo Yo Soul Recordings, alongside the R&B label Platform Sounds. Its other divisions include Undivided Entertainment (touring/events), 3 Diamonds Entertainment (TV/film), and the Icho Group (marketing and strategy).
At its core, Insignia Assets is committed to amplifying Black creativity and building a global platform for impactful, inspirational content. Through bold collaborations, powerful storytelling, and a focus on diverse voices, the company is on a mission to reshape the future of entertainment.
Ron Hill, President of Recorded Music, TRIBL Music Group and Head of Touring, Undivided Entertainment said: "Kirk is not just an artist, he’s a cultural architect who has reshaped the landscape of faith and entertainment. This partnership with Insignia marks a new chapter, where shared vision and leadership come together to build lasting value, elevate culture, and shift the industry from within."
Insignia Assets’ award-winning leadership team of visionaries is comprised of:
Norman Gyamfi - Co-Founder and CEO, Insignia Assets
Norman Gyamfi is a visionary entrepreneur and CEO of Insignia Assets, overseeing Maverick City Music, Undivided Touring, 3 Diamonds Ent., and Tribl Records. A three-time GRAMMY® Award winner with multiple Billboard #1 albums, Gyamfi has revolutionized faith-based touring through collaborations with industry giants Live Nation, AEG, and WME. His innovative approach, rooted in faith, is reshaping the global landscape of inspirational music.
Jonathan Jay - Co-Founder, Insignia Assets; Co-Founder and CEO, Maverick City Music
Jonathan Jay, co-founder of Maverick City Music and Insignia Assets, LLC, is a highly acclaimed music executive and serial entrepreneur known for his significant impact on the music industry. A 5-time GRAMMY® Award winner, 17-time Dove Award nominee, and Billboard's #1 Gospel Music Producer, Jay is committed to creativity, collaboration, and diversity.
EJ Gaines, Esq. - Chief Strategy Officer, Insignia Assets
EJ Gaines is a seasoned music executive and entertainment lawyer with a 25-year track record in the music industry. Previously an IP attorney on Wall Street, he recently led Motown Gospel and spearheaded the revival of Tamla Records under Capitol/Universal. In these roles, EJ managed significant multi-million-dollar ventures, successfully expanding market presence and boosting profitability. Over the years, Gaines has guided the careers of countless chart-topping and award-winning recording artists, producers and songwriters, as well as on-screen talent and executives working behind the scenes.
Ron Hill - President of Recorded Music, TRIBL Music Group; Head of Touring, Undivided Entertainment
Ron Hill is an innovative leader with over 20 years of experience in the entertainment industry. From managing Kirk Franklin to producing successful tours, TV series, and chart-topping albums, Hill has significantly reshaped the faith-based entertainment landscape through his creative vision and unwavering commitment. He currently serves as President of Recorded Music for TRIBL Music Group and Head of Touring for Undivided Entertainment.
Phil Thornton - CEO, 3 Diamonds Entertainment; EVP, Insignia Assets
Phil Thornton is a trailblazing entertainment executive and co-founder of 3 Diamonds. A key figure in both the music and television industries, Phil has held senior leadership roles at Capitol Christian Music Group (CMG) and RCA Inspiration, working with artists like Kirk Franklin and Marvin Sapp. Over the past several years, Thornton executive produced the Lifetime film Surviving Compton, the NAACP Image Award-winning show It's a Mann's World, Never Would Have Made It: The Marvin Sapp Story, and several episodes of TV One’s popular series Uncensored. More recently, Thornton teamed up with Jamie Foxx and Datari Turner to executive produce the Luther Vandross documentary Never Too Much, while his podcast We Sound Crazybecame a Sirius XM show and Emmy® -nominated television series.
Trell Woodberry - COO, 3 Diamonds Entertainment
Trell Woodberry is an actor, producer, and writer with a background in Project Management and a degree in Computer Science from North Carolina A&T State University. As the founder of T. Wood Productions, Trell has developed a reputation for blending creative storytelling with strategic thinking. His projects include the critically acclaimed series For the Love of Jason and the feature film The Day Before Christmas. As a partner at 3 Diamonds, Woodberry specializes in producing groundbreaking scripted and unscripted television, film, and live events.
Kirk Franklin - CEO, Fo Yo Soul Recordings; Chief of Creative Services, Insignia Assets
Kirk Franklin is a 20-time GRAMMY® Award-winning artist, songwriter, producer, and music icon. For over three decades, he has been a transformative force in contemporary Gospel Music, masterfully blending Gospel, R&B, Hip-Hop, and Pop to create a unique and enduring sound that resonates across generations. Known as one of the most impactful and innovative figures in modern music, Franklin continues to expand the reach of Gospel Music, redefining its place in mainstream culture. In addition to his recording career, Franklin has also ventured into various media and entertainment projects.