About The Akire Group

The Akire Group (TAG) is an artist development and management company. Our goal is to assist the artist in developing their own authentic image, sound and performance style - which in turn will build a foundation for a long, sustainable career. TAG works closely with the artist to pull together the right elements to maximize the potential of the artist to make the greatest impact in the world.

Bringing Back a Lost Art

The Akire Group plans to recreate the era where development was crucial to the welfare of the artist. Taking the time to help the artist discover their true self allows them to master their craft. We believe this is the greatest contribution artists can give to the world.

What You Can Expect from The Akire Group

When working with The Akire Group you can be assured that you will not receive recycled, overused tactics for artist development. We move beyond the current trends - employing imagination and creativity in our fresh yet effective methodology. We go above and beyond to ensure that we provide you with the very best in development, ideas and tools suited for you.

About Erika Swanson

Passionate, inventive, vibrant, Erika Swanson is the founder of The Akire Group. A graduate of Sam Houston State University’s School of Communication, Erika majored in Radio and Television and minored in public relations and promotions. Since graduation, Erika has spent 5 years working in the nonprofit sector doing public relations, management and fund development.

Erika has performed with Dance Force Productions, has self-directed and written “Sophisticated Lady," and has acted in “For Colored Girls Who Committed Suicide When the Rainbow Isn’t Enuff” and “A Raisin in the Sun.” Focusing on her love for music, Erika decided to switch from performing on stage to working behind the stage by pursuing a public relations career for Kozmik Oasis Recordings (KOR). As the Public Relations Rep for KOR, Erika has worked with several Houston artists including Caretta Bell, Kuumba Freeque, David Sha and K’monte. She has also worked with JUZCOZ and Hisson1083.

In the summer of 2009, Erika went on a mission trip to Nairobi, Kenya where she helped to rebuild the Paa Ya Paa Art Center, which had burned down in 1996. During this journey, her idea for The Akire Group was born, “I was honored to be a part of rebuilding a space where artist of all backgrounds will come together to create and share work that can and will impact the world.” Experiencing the culture in Kenya and observing the influence of American music Erika knew that one of the ways she wanted to leave her mark is by being a part of that change: “The process of Artist Development is similar to the process of rebuilding the Paa Ya Paa Art Center. I hope to develop artist that will create and share work that will impact the world.”

Learn about how we can help.