Kirk Franklin (center). Image courtesy of subject.
Six youth from Uganda have been chosen as part of a global choir to join Grammy-winning music artist Kirk Franklin to re-release his single, “Lean on Me.” The youth, who are part of Compassion International’s child development program, were chosen to join peers from 24 other countries to participate in the Compassion Youth Choir.
For the past several months, Franklin has been working with youth from all 25 countries in Compassion’s child development program. Through virtual auditions and rehearsals, the Compassion Youth Choir, made up of more than 120 youth, ages 11-19, worked with the artist to record the song, which was originally released in 1998.
“It was an honor working with so many young, talented and gifted kids from across the globe!” Franklin emphasized, “I’m grateful to the team at Compassion International for giving me the opportunity to serve in this capacity.”
The six youth are:
- 13-year old Trinity from Wakiso
- 14-year old Sharorin from Bundibugyo
- 16-year old Marita from Soroti
- 16-year old Hillary from Kabale
- 18-year old Edith from Masaka
- 18-year old Kakama from Ntungamo
“I thank God for the opportunity to sing with Kirk Franklin. Seeing him at the auditions reveal via zoom left me asking, who am I to get such a lifetime opportunity? It was like a dream, yet real. I will never forget that day.’ Kakama said.
During the virtual sessions, Franklin provided vocal coaching, answered questions about his life and musical career, and even taught the group some dance moves.
The music video for the re-release of “Lean on Me,” featuring the Compassion Youth Choir, can be seen at compassion.com/kirkfranklin or on YouTube.
Franklin concludes, “It’s unbelievable that a song like this still resonates with so many people. I pray this version provides a little hope for the people across the globe.”
Fo Yo Soul/RCA Records and Franklin will donate proceeds from the sales and streams of the song to Compassion.
Click here to download or stream “Lean on Me” featuring the Compassion Youth Choir.
About Compassion International
Compassion International is a Christian child development organization working to release children from poverty in Jesus’ name. Founded in 1952, Compassion partners with more than 8,000 local churches in 25 program countries to deliver spiritual, economic, social, and physical care to over two million babies, children, and young adults in poverty. Ranked No. 8 in Forbes’ America’s Top Charities List in 2020, Compassion is a founding member of the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability and an accredited charity with the Better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving Alliance.
In Uganda, Compassion International started in 1980 and currently partners with 443 evangelical churches from across the country (117 districts) to reach over 130,000 beneficiaries with its holistic child development programs.
About Fo Yo Soul/RCA Records
Fo Yo Soul Entertainment is a full-service entertainment company based out of Dallas, Texas, United States. Established by recording artist Kirk Franklin in 2004, Fo Yo Soul Entertainment is inclusive of Fo Yo Soul Recordings, Fo Yo Soul Productions, and The Franklin Imagine Group.
