Rocker Michael Franti Embraced By Reggae Fraternity

Nearly twelve years since his sojourn into the Reggae genre, Micheal Franti made his first live appearance at the legendary Redbones Jazz and Blues café in Kingston, Jamaica on Thursday night.

Dressed in full black and barefeet, Michael performed an acoustic set that lasted nearly an hour and was joined on stage by tour partner and local sensation Cherine Anderson.

Armed only with his guitar, Michael showcased his musical talent and inoculated the crowd with such innocence, that by the time he reached half way through his set, you felt as though he was a long time friend, and soon had the audience standing, clapping, dancing and singing along to songs such as “Rude Boys Back In Town”, “Hey World”, “Nobody right, Nobody Wrong”, and “Say Hey”, all tracks from his new full length album release “Rebel Rockers”.

Young Jamaican starlight, Cherine Anderson proved her worth and sultriness as she accompanied Franti on stage on various songs throughout the showcase. The musical chemistry between these two sure makes for a good show and the edgy blend of their unique collaboration is a welcomed expansion of the Reggae soundscape.

Among some of the people who came to see Micheal Franti in action was Sly Dunbar of Taxi Records, PR Specialist Odessa Chambers, Music mogul Chris Smith, Lovers Rocker Courtney John, Yolan Zanders of VP Records and Reggae News Agency Founder Lloyd Laing.

After the show, Michael mingled with the crowd, signing autographs and taking pictures with his new found friends and fans.

As an onlooker of the revolution I was awestruck at how Michael made it so easy, for the local Reggae Fraternity to embrace him and invite him into the fold.

“It feels wonderful, it feels as though I am among family, and even though I have been here for a few days I have connected with good people and made new friends”, Reflected Michael Franti as he sipped an Appleton Rum cocktail, “Definitely one of those shows that I will never forget”.

Michael left Jamaica on Friday with opening act Cherine Anderson to continue his world tour in Australia with his band Spearhead.

The Reggae News Agency

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