Talented kids from India's slums have a friend in Project Ahimsa, a musiic-themed NGO based in San Francisco that was active long befoer "Slumdog Millionaire" caught the world's ear.

Project Ahimsa has united some of independent music's most fascinating artists - such as Michael Franti, Finkadesi and Sly & Robbie - with its own NGO partners around the globe whose dozens of programs have transformed children's lives through music. So far, the organization has created 70 grants in fourteen countries serving 10,000 kids.

Project Ahimsa, a non-profit dedicated to nonviolence through youth empowerment, has widened their reach by releasing the album "Global Lingo," an upbeat world music stew with tangy appeal. "Unlike many other 'benefit' albums, Global Lingo is an album made by beneficiaries using talents and skills cultivated in supported programs," said a spokesperson.

The sound is part hip-hop, part reggae, dub and electronica; and is good for dancing, partying or lounging.

The album, executive produced by Vijay Chattha, features vocals by Ganesh Barriya, a former rag picker from Ahmedabad who perfoms on two tracks - "Liberation 3000" and "He Manov Visvaas." Other Indian-origin artists on the album include "Tablapusher" Robin Sukhadia; Mandeep Sethi of Blackmahal; children from Service Association of the Blind in Agmedabad; the Empower the Children Chorus of Kolkata; children of Manov Sadhna, an NGO based at the Gandhi ashram in Ahmedabad; Payal Vaghela; deejay Bollygirl; Goonda; Amit Shoham; Funkadesi and others.

The album has reportedly reached the Number 6 spot on iTunes' reggae chart, and a video has just been shot and will be released soon.

For more information, or to preview tracks, visit www.globallingomusic.com.

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