NEW YORK, N.Y. (February 23, 2015) – Primary Wave Entertainment brings in music manager Toya Hankins as a new management partner with a focus on continuing the growth of their Urban Talent Management division. The multi-faceted music manager is the founder of Project Producers, LLC and has had over 20 years of success managing the career of platinum-selling recording artist and songwriter, KEM, whose current album, “Promise To Love,” was recently nominated for a 2015 Grammy Award and two NAACP Awards. Additionally, Hankins’ new role at Primary Wave will also include taking on the day-to-day management of R&B veteran Eric Benet, who has been part of the PW management roster since 2010.
“I am absolutely thrilled about becoming partners with Primary Wave. Larry Mestel is a true visionary when it comes to music and entertainment, and having the opportunity, along with my team at Project Producers, to join forces with such a progressive team at Primary Wave, makes for a future that is beyond exciting,” explains Toya Hankins.
With over 23 years of experience managing the brands of recording artists, Toya Hankins is very well versed in several aspects of the music industry including brand imaging, tour marketing, radio promotions, event planning, as well as video and concert production. Hankins started her music career in artist development at Undercurrent Records, where she developed and promoted the at-the-time, unknown artist KEM, on his debut album, “Can’t Figure You Out.” Shortly after, Toya left Undercurrent Records to launch her own artist management and promotional company naming KEM as the Flagship artist. With Toya’s support and management, KEM released the platinum selling record, “ALBUM II” and two gold selling records, “Kemistry” & “Intimacy,” along with his holiday album, “What Christmas Means.” He has also headlined both national and international tours, and launched the “Kem Live @ Mack & Third” fundraising event, an annual benefit for the homeless & under-privileged in Detroit, MI. This free concert features nationally known talent and free health care services for over 55,000 attendees.
“I’d like to welcome Toya to the Primary Wave family,” states Larry Mestel, CEO of Primary Wave. “With her extensive background in talent management and strong leadership skills, I’m confident that Toya will be a great contribution to our team.”