In the latest episode of Earn Your Leisure, gospel icon Kirk Franklin and entrepreneur Norman Gyamfi open up about far more than just music. The duo sits down for a layered and deeply honest conversation about faith, culture, business, and the evolving face of gospel in today’s digital world.
Their partnership wasn’t built overnight. Gyamfi, co-founder of Insignia Assets, shares how a lack of serious marketing in the gospel industry pushed him to get involved, bringing business acumen to a space often overlooked by mainstream structures. Franklin, no stranger to the complexities of the industry, reflects on the tough lessons he learned early on—particularly from signing a bad record deal and mixing business with family.
Both guests dive into the current challenges facing the genre. From outdated label models and slow streaming adaptation to questions of relevance, Franklin and Gyamfi don’t shy away from hard truths.
They consider whether today’s generation is turning away from church—not because of a lack of faith, but because the church isn’t evolving fast enough to meet them where they are.
In a bold pivot, the conversation turns to artificial intelligence—and what it means for music and ministry. Can technology replace human connection? Could it ever stand in for a spiritual leader? Kirk and Norman argue authenticity is still the one thing that can’t be replicated by code. The church may need innovation, but not at the expense of truth.
No subject is off-limits. Kirk unpacks the double-edged sword of being held to a higher standard as a leader, while Norman speaks to the power and pitfalls of the Black church. Still, both men believe in the resilience of community—and in the importance of never losing hope in people.
