Gospel music superstar Kirk Franklin is joining forces with Insignia Assets, a new entertainment venture established by Norman Gyamfi and Jonathan Jay. The deal will see Franklin’s companies, Fo Yo Soul Recordings and CLTRE Lab, uniting with Insignia Assets’ portfolio, which includes recorded music and publishing, television, film, touring, and events. In addition to this partnership, Franklin will serve as Insignia Assets’ Chief of Creative Services.
Franklin, who will be honored with the BET Ultimate Icon Award during the 2025 BET Awards on June 9, said, “This partnership with Insignia is bigger than business. It’s about building a platform where our stories, our faith, and our culture can live and breathe across every screen and stage. I’ve always believed in pushing gospel beyond the margins and into spaces where it can challenge, inspire, and connect with the world in a real way. Joining forces with Insignia gives us the reach, the resources, and the creative freedom to do just that.”
To kick off the venture, Franklin will release a new single, “Do It Again,” on June 6. Additionally, his media production company, CLTRE Lab, will collaborate with Insignia Assets’ 3 Diamonds Entertainment division on Den of Kings, a new dinner conversation series hosted by Franklin premiering on Franklin’s YouTube channel on Father’s Day, June 15.
+ Big Loud Records has hired Lauren “LT” Thomas as senior vice president of radio promotion, effective immediately. She and fellow SVP Tyler Waugh report to EVP of radio promotion Stacy Blythe.
Previously, Thomas was SVP of promotion at Sony Music Nashville, where she led promotion efforts for Columbia and RCA Nashville and, according to the announcement, contributed to nearly 100 No. 1 hits. Priot to Sony, Thomas spent five years at KMLE-FM in Phoenix.
“LT’s stellar reputation speaks for itself,” Blythe said. “The moment she began exploring her next opportunity, leadership at Big Loud unanimously agreed — she was a natural fit for our team.”
+ Rhythm & Relief is a new 501(c)(3) umbrella charity that supports organizations using music to improve health and well-being. Through partnerships with the music and entertainment industries, the Los Angeles-based organization will produce fundraising initiatives and events — from exclusive product and music releases to intimate livestreams and major concerts — to raise awareness and vital support for important music-based healing programs.
The organization was founded in 2024 by former Virgin Entertainment Group and Music Business Assn. executive Glen Ward, who brings more than 40 years’ music and entertainment industry experience and charity board positions to his role as president. Headquartered in Los Angeles, Rhythm & Relief partners with the music and entertainment communities to support member organizations “using the healing power of music to help individuals facing trauma, anxiety, depression, and other physical and mental health conditions,” according to the announcement, through fundraising initiatives, from livestreamed gigs to full-scale concerts. For more information, see the organization’s website. https://rhythmandrelief.org/
+ Live Nation is expanding its presence in Latin America through the acquisition of SD Concerts, the leading live entertainment company in the Dominican Republic. Founded in 2001 by Saymon Diaz, who remains CEO, SD Concerts is behind many of the region’s most notable live events, promoting Latin and international talent across the DR as well as supporting shows in Aruba, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Panama, and Puerto Rico. SD Concerts also operates a ticketing platform, which currently services all SD events and provides a foundation for future ticketing expansion in the region. Through the acquisition, that platform will become part of the Ticketmaster ecosystem.
Live Nation CEO & President Michael Rapino said, “Saymon and SD Concerts have built a remarkable business rooted in deep local knowledge and a passion for live music. We’re joining forces with a proven regional leader to help even more Latin artists reach global audiences and connect international acts with fans across Latin America.”
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