Lydia Kanuga, a skilled and resourceful career publicist who has earned widespread respect throughout the music industry, has been promoted to Vice President, Media Relations at The Chamber Group, it was announced today by Chris Chambers, principal/founder at The Chamber Group (TCG), the award-winning New York-based boutique public relations firm.
In her new position at The Chamber Group, Ms. Kanuga will be responsible for creating and executing publicity and public relations strategies for her client roster that currently includes Usher, the Estate of Michael Jackson, Mass Appeal, King Combs, Jozzy, Toni Braxton, and others. Ms. Kanuga, who has worked closely with TCG staff on numerous music and entertainment accounts, will also take a leading role in business development prospects on behalf of the company. She is based in New York and will report directly to Mr. Chambers.
“I’m excited to have a seasoned executive such as Lydia working alongside me at TCG overseeing the entertainment division. Lydia is passionate and honest in her work style and it’s what makes her a talented publicist and leader. I look forward to this journey we are about to embark on”, states Mr. Chambers.
“I’m honored to have been given the opportunity and responsibility to lead and mentor our tremendously talented team of publicists at The Chamber Group while continuing to cultivate and execute PR strategy for our highly esteemed clients. Chris has my deepest gratitude for trusting and believing in me to take on this role. I look forward to continued success at the company”, added Ms. Kanuga.
Ms. Kanuga first joined TCG in February 2022, as Director of Public Relations, following two years as Head of PR and Corporate Communications at 12Tone Music in New York. As lead label publicist for an artist roster that included Anderson .Paak, 88rising, Lauren Daigle, Raveena, ILLENIUM, and more, Ms. Kanuga not only served as liaison between 12Tone and indie publicists, but also oversaw corporate communications for label executives. Top priorities included the annual Billboard Indie Power Players list and R&B Hip-Hop Power Players list, and the handling of Grammy Award® campaigns.
Prior to 12Tone, Ms. Kanuga spent four years at Def Jam Recordings, starting as Publicity Manager before advancing to Publicity Director. Among her duties at the legendary hip-hop label was securing high-profile media coverage across the print, tv and online spectrum for multi-platinum artists Alessia Cara, Jeremih, Teyana Taylor, Dave East, DaniLeigh, and many others.
Ms. Kanuga began her music career at Columbia Records as Assistant to the Senior Vice President of A&R and Marketing and then as a coordinator/Junior Product Manager. Her projects involved Harry Connick Jr, Susan Boyle, Johnny Mathis, Il Divo, and others, including Celine Dion and Michael Jackson. After two years, Ms. Kanuga transferred to Columbia Publicity where she handled press in conjunction with Nickelodeon for Victoria Justice, Miranda Cosgrove and Big Time Rush.
Over the next five years, Ms. Kanuga honed her general publicity expertise at several boutique PR firms.
Ms. Kanuga attended the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis, where she graduated with the Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology and received her Master of Arts in Music Business from New York University. She resides in New Jersey.
