Six youth from Ghana 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 and youth 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 and youth 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 Angela, 18-year-old Gideon, 16-year-old Emmanuel, and 13-year-old Henry.

The others are 16-year-old Esther and 18-year-old Patricia.

“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,” says 13-year-old Angela – one of the choir members from Ghana.

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 and youth 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.

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.

Bill Withers, the acclaimed 1970s soul singer behind hits Ain’t No Sunshine and Lean On Me has died from heart complications aged 81, his family said.

The singer died on Monday in Los Angeles, the family told the Associated Press.

They described him in a statement as a “solitary man with a heart-driven to connect to the world”.

“He spoke honestly to people and connected them to each other,” the statement said.

Known for his smooth baritone vocals and sumptuous soul arrangements, he wrote some of the 70s best-remembered songs, including Just The Two Of Us, Lovely Day and Use Me.

Although he stopped recording in 1985, his songs remained a major influence on R&B and hip-hop.

His track Grandma’s Hands was sampled on Blackstreet’s No Diggity, and Eminem reinterpreted Just The Two Of Us on his hit 1997 Bonnie And Clyde.

“We are devastated by the loss of our beloved, devoted husband and father,” said his family in a statement.

“A solitary man with a heart driven to connect to the world at large, with his poetry and music, he spoke honestly to people and connected them to each other.

“As private a life as he lived close to intimate family and friends, his music forever belongs to the world. In this difficult time, we pray his music offers comfort and entertainment as fans hold tight to loved ones.”

The star’s signature song Lean On Me was based his experiences growing up in a West Virginia coal mining town. When times were hard, neighbours would lend each other help and assistance.

The song has recently become associated with the Coronavirus pandemic, with many people posting their own versions to support health workers and other essential services.