SIX YOUNG RWANDANS are part of a global choir that collaborated with Grammy-winning American artist Kirk Franklin to record the new version of 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. They include Enock and Lisa (both aged 14), 16-year old duo Benjamin and Benitha as well as Donatha and Janvier (17 years each) For the past several months, Franklin has been working with youth from all of the 25 countries in Compassion’s child development program. Through virtual auditions and rehearsals, the Compassion Youth Choir, made up of more than 120 youth, aged between 11-19, worked with Franklin 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. I’m grateful to the team at Compassion International for giving me the opportunity to serve in this capacity,” said Franklin. After releasing the new version of his song ‘Lean on Me’, the singer described the youth choir as ‘hard-working, talented and beautiful’ and opened doors to record more music projects with them in the future. “I am humbled that Compassion would consider me to partner with them for such an amazing project. Working with the children in the Compassion Youth Choir has truly blessed me. Being able to be a part of so many intricate stories, all leading to the edification of kingdom building,” he said. The young Rwandan musicians who feature in Franklin’s latest release have been celebrating for recording a song alongside an internationally-recognized musician of Franklin’s calibers whose music has earned him a number of accolades over the past years including the Grammy’s. “Words are not enough to express how happy and blessed I am for the privilege to sing with Kirk Franklin,” said 16-year old Donatha, one of the choir members from Rwanda. 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 watched on compassion.com and Kirkfranklin’s YouTube channel. Reacting to the new song, Franklin said, “It’s unbelievable that a song like this still resonates with so many people. I pray this version provides a little hope for people across the globe.” Through his recording label, Fo Yo Soul/RCA Records, Franklin pledged to donate proceeds from the sales and streams of the song to Compassion. Choir director, gospel singer, songwriter and author, Kirk Dewayne Franklin is best known for leading urban contemporary gospel choirs such as The Family, God’s Property, and One Nation Crew among many others. He has won numerous awards, including 16 Grammy Awards.
