Executive Exit: EJ Gaines steps away from Insignia Assets/ Tribl Records
EJ Gaines, the music industry executive and entertainment attorney who served as the Chief Strategy Officer for Insignia Assets, has departed the company.
Gaines made the announcement on his social media platforms.
Founded in 2021 by Norman Gyamfi and Jonathan Jay, Insignia Assets serves as the umbrella organization for music, touring, television, film, and publishing businesses.
TRIBL Records, its flagship Christian music label, is home to Maverick City Music.
As Chief Strategy Officer, Gaines was responsible for corporate growth, legal frame-working, and strategic brand positioning for the entertainment conglomerate.
Prior to Insignia, Gaines was a dominant force at Capitol Music Group, where he served as Senior Vice President of Marketing and Co-Executive Director of Motown Gospel. He also spearheaded the high-profile revival of Tamla Records label.
At Insignia, Gaines played a pivotal role in the merger with Kirk Franklin’s Fo Yo Soul Recordings and CLTRE Lab.
In his announcement, Gaines did not specify a reason for his departure and relatively short tenure.
However, in the wake of Gaines's departure, TRIBL Records and Insignia have been facing mounting legal troubles involving royalty payments, contracts, fraud allegations, copyright claims and corporate disagreements.
Chandler Moore Lawsuit
One of the most closely watched cases involves Grammy-winning Maverick City Music artist Chandler Moore, who sued former business manager Norman Gyamfi, TRIBL Records and related Insignia companies in 2025. Moore alleged that millions of dollars in publishing royalties and other assets were improperly diverted. He also accused the defendants of fraud, forged signatures and misuse of intellectual property.
Maverick City co-founder Tony Brown has also pursued legal action against Gyamfi, Insignia Assets and other parties, alleging misconduct surrounding his 2023 buyout from the company.
Brown's lawsuit included allegations involving Civil RICO violations, royalty fraud and coercion. A Georgia judge dismissed the case on jurisdictional grounds in February 2026, while leaving open the possibility of refiling in New York. Meanwhile, Maverick City filed a $10 million counterclaim against Brown related to an alleged non-compete violation involving his God Aura project.
Copyright Case
TRIBL is also defending a copyright lawsuit filed by gospel songwriter and producer Percy Bady. Bady alleges that TRIBL's release of Todd Galberth's "Fill the Room" incorporates elements of his 1987 gospel song “I'm Free” without proper authorization.
In June 2026, a federal judge allowed the copyright case to proceed.
Growing Industry Concerns
Meanwhile, several prominent Maverick City artists, including Chandler Moore and Naomi Raine, have stepped away from the collective.
As TRIBL Records and Insignia Assets continue to navigate its legal woes, it remains to be seen what other organizational changes may follow.
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