MUSICIAN, FILMMAKER, AND HUMAN RIGHTS worker Michael Franti is no stranger to conflict. In 2004, he decided to “walk his talk,” by traveling to the war zones of Iraq, Israel, and Palestine and documenting what he saw. Out of this journey, Michael created a compelling documentary film titled I Know I’m Not Alone and a searing, reflective album of original songs titled Yell Fire!, recorded in Kingston, Jamaica, and his hometown of San Francisco, Calif.
In November 2006, Michael’s directorial efforts for I Know I’m Not Alone won the Best International Documentary Award in the prestigious Harlem International Film Festival. He has traveled all over the world, sharing the film with others.
In addition to his groundbreaking recordings and globally acclaimed live concerts, Michael is a renowned speaker for social justice and human rights. He has lectured at many of this country’s top universities, including Yale, Georgetown, and Stanford, and shared the stage with Muhammad Ali, Bill Clinton, Michael Moore, Ralph Nader, and Gloria Steinem. In 2005, Michael became the first recording artist since Johnny Cash to perform at the maximum-security, level-4 section of Folsom State Prison, and in spring 2007 he performed on the yard of San Quentin Prison.
In the past half decade, Michael began practicing yoga, which has profoundly influenced him both personally and professionally. This is especially evident in the practice of ahimsa (the avoidance of violence). Michael dedicates his yoga practice—and, in turn, himself—completely to peace and nonviolence. “Yoga supports me with the philosophy of compassion,” he says. “I always had this, but yoga gives me a language to talk about it with other people. And anywhere I go, I can drop into a yoga class and find the perfect reminder I need.” Professionally, yoga helps Michael to write songs that are closer to his core, to be clearer when he writes, and not to judge before they are done.
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DISCOGRAPHY:
Yell Fire! (2006)
Live in Alaska (2005)
Love Kamikaze (2005)
Everyone Deserves Music (2003)
Songs from the Front Porch (2003)
Stay Human (2001)
Live at the Baobab (2000)
Chocolate Supa Highway (1997)
Home (1994)
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