Six Ghanaian youngsters join Kirk Franklin for song release
The youths are expected to join peers from 24 other countries to participate in the re-release of Franklin’s “Lean on Me”
Six Ghanaian youths have been chosen to be part of a global choir joining the Grammy-winning music artist Kirk Franklin to re-release his single “Lean on Me”.
The youths, who are taking part in Compassion International’s child and youth development programme, were chosen to join peers from 24 other countries to perform in the Compassion Youth Choir.
The six are 13-year-old Angela, 18-year-old Gideon, 16-year-old Emmanuel, 13-year-old Henry, 16-year-old Esther and 18-year-old Patricia.
A statement signed by David O Mensah, the national office field spokesman for Compassion International Ghana, said that for the past several months, Franklin had been working with young people from all 25 countries in Compassion International’s child and youth development programme.
The statement said through virtual auditions and rehearsals, the Compassion Youth Choir, made up of more than 120 youth between the ages of 11 and 19, worked with the artist to record the song, originally released in 1998.
“Opportunity to serve”
Kirk Franklin said, “It was an honour working with so many young, talented and gifted kids from across the globe! I’m grateful to the team at Compassion International for giving me the opportunity to serve in this capacity.
“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,” he said.
Thirteen-year-old Angela was also quoted saying: “I am very excited to be part of this choir. The song is an inspiration to me and my family. I strongly believe that this opportunity will help me in my music career.”
The statement says that during the virtual sessions Franklin provided vocal coaching, answered questions about his life and musical career, and even taught the group dance moves.
The clip for the re-release of “Lean on Me”, featuring the Compassion Youth Choir, can be seen at compassion.com/kirkfranklin or on YouTube.
Breaking chains of poverty
The statement said Fo Yo Soul/RCA Records and Franklin would donate proceeds from sales and streams of the song back to Compassion International.
Compassion International is a Christian child and youth development organisation working to release children from poverty in the name of Jesus.
Founded in 1952, the organisation partners with more than 8,000 local churches in 25 programme countries to deliver spiritual, economic, social and physical care to over two million babies, children and young adults living in poverty.
Ranked number eight on Forbes’s 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.
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