Michael Franti has spent the last two decades touring the globe, and has sold over a million albums along the way. All the while, he’s retained his spirit and identity as an independent artist. His latest offering is a rump-shaking romp recorded in Kingston, Jamaica, with Sly and Robbie behind the boards. Franti describes All Rebel Rockers as an album “intended to wage war on cynicism. It’s an invitation for people to dance in a world that is filled with chaos.” In this edition of the Songlines podcast, you’ll hear parts of tracks like “Say Hey (I Love You)” and “A Little Bit of Riddim.”
As part of an anti-poverty protest in 2000, Michael Franti decided not to wear shoes for three days. He never went back. Except for occasionally needing to wear shoes for air travel or to be admitted to a restaurant, he’s been barefoot ever since.