In their native tongues - more than a dozen including English, Creole, Tagalog and Thai - they sing “don’t worry,” in the song’s vamp where the words are featured repeatedly.įranklin, who traveled with Compassion to the Dominican Republic in early 2020, said he sought to be a musical and a personal role model, giving hope to poor children, many of whom “have had very challenging living situations” during the pandemic. “Here’s my shoulder, you can lean on me.” “You don’t have to worry,” sing the young people ages 11-19. 24), Franklin’s entertainment company and Compassion International jointly rereleased a remake of his “Lean on Me” single featuring a virtual choir of more than 120 youth who live in 25 countries where the humanitarian organization has a presence.

The 16-Grammy winner brought his contemporary gospel music to NPR’s Tiny Desk, and he took part in a virtual benefit to draw attention to poor children across the world whose lives have been changed by COVID-19. 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.(RNS) - Kirk Franklin, like many musicians, has pivoted to online performances during the COVID-19 pandemic. For more information, visit or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.įo Yo Soul Entertainment is a full-service entertainment company based out of Dallas, Texas, United States. 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. 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. 'I feel God has blessed me so much, beyond what words can explain.'Ĭompassion International is a Christian child development organization working to release children from poverty in Jesus' name. Born without arms, Kakama began to realize he was musically talented at age 16. 'I feel extremely happy to be selected,' says Kakama, 18, from Uganda.

Maria, 18, from Nicaragua adds, 'My favorite part was to hear Kirk's testimony and his words of motivation and inspiration – that if you can dream about something, you can reach it in Christ Jesus.' 'I'm very excited to be part of the youth choir, to show everyone my talent in singing, and to be with other singers from different places.' She says her favorite part of working with Franklin was hearing his life experience and improving as a singer. Franklin was originally planning on selecting winners from each country to participate in the choir, but after reviewing video submissions from the youth, he was so moved by their talent and passion that he chose everyone who auditioned to participate in the project.įranklin shares, 'It was such an honor 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.'ĭuring the virtual sessions, Franklin provided vocal coaching, answered questions about his life and musical career, and even taught the group some dance moves.Įleven-year-old Yshara from the Philippines says she enjoyed the entire process. In late 2020, Compassion sent out a call to youth in its field countries, where the ministry serves children in poverty, to participate in a virtual choir. 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.Īfter a trip to the Dominican Republic with Compassion in early 2020, Franklin felt called by God to use his talents, platform, and personal story to inspire youth around the world to pursue their own giftings.

24, 2021 /PRNewswire/ - Grammy-winning music artist Kirk Franklin has teamed up with Compassion International to re-release his single, ' Lean on Me,' featuring the voices of youth living in poverty around the world.įor the past several months, Franklin has been working with youth from all 25 countries in Compassion's child development program.

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