EXCLUSIVE: Michael Franti on Obama

Known as one of the most committed social activists in the music world, Michael Franti has always spoken out against poverty, racism and social injustice, fronting the politically-driven Disposable Heroes of Hiphoprisy, before going on to form Spearhead, who he still plays with today.

A strong advocate of peace in the middle east, Franti has travelled through Israel, Iraq and Gaza, documenting his experiences in the 2006 film I Know I'm Not Alone, which was soundtracked by songs from his Yell Fire! album.

Franti is an avid Obama supporter, and will perform at three inaugural events in the US next week: the 2009 Green Inaugural Ball, the Inaugural Peace Ball, and the Rock the Vote event.

Writing exclusively for Hot Press in our special American issue, Michael Franti shared his thoughts on President-elect Obama, and expressed just what his election into office means to him:

"The night before election day I curled up in bed with my nine-year-old son and cried as I read a children’s biography of Barack. I explained that over the last eight years there were times (particularly when I was in the middle east) that I felt so much pain in my heart and so bleak about the future. I told him how in my lifetime I never imagined I would be voting for a black man for President, let alone someone with as much charisma and dynamism as Obama. I cried as my pen hit the paper of my ballot."

Read more from Michael Franti in the new issue of Hot Press – with Obama on the cover! – in shops now. Plus, find out what Bob Geldof, Josh Ritter and Laura Izibor think about the new Pres.