Music executive, Norman Gymfi, tells Isaac Carree that gospel music norms don’t work anymore versus CCM: “Nobody wants to hear no runs”

Photo: Norman Gyamfi (screen grab from Isaac Carree YouTube video)

Music executive, Norman Gyamfi, appeared on the Isaac Carree Show and set the internet ablaze with his assessment of the current state of gospel music versus Contemporary Christian Music (CCM).

In the interview, Gyamfi makes several generalizations about the gospel music industry versus CCM.

Gyamfi stated that gospel music singers “over sing.” He went on to state that “Nobody wants to hear no runs.”

The Ghanaian-born executive seemed to suggest that Black gospel music artists need to change their approach to singing to be as commercially successful as his group, Maverick City Music.

He explained that the success of CCM singers like Maverick City Music (which he manages under the TRIBL record label) is largely attributable to audiences’/listeners’ preference for congregation-style songs that are more easily replicated and singable.

Gyamfi did not elaborate on whether he was referring to audiences in general or Black audiences in particular when speaking of singing style preferences.

Moreover, Gyamfi lamented that gospel music does not have the appropriate professional infrastructure that’s needed for mass commercial success. He noted that while most CCM singers have agents and managers and engage in professional tours, gospel music artists seemingly have mom-and-pop operations that lean on churches for revenue.

Gyamfi also highlighted issues with gospel music record labels. With the exception of Walter at Motown Gospel, he noted that most labels don’t have the executive talent to get things done. Moreover, he highlighted other labels and their lack of expertise in effective social media and digital Marketing capabilities for their artists.

Gyamfi proclaimed that other labels aren’t able to do what he and his organization are able to do for artists.

Norman Gymanfi is the CEO of Insignia Assets, a media company founded by Gyamfi and Jonathan Jay.

His TRIBL Records is the label division of Insignia Assets focused on Christian and Gospel music. TRIBL is known for artists like Maverick City Music.

Gyamfi, an unabashed Trump supporter, is the brother-in-law to gospel music artist, Travis Greene.

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