Playing on the streets of Iraq, or in Israel or the Gaza strip, I'd sing angry protest songs against war. People would say, 'Make us clap, make us dance, and laugh and sing.' It really made me think about the importance of happy music.

The song is also featured on the soundtrack of the game 2010 World Cup South Africa. Songs from Yell Fire and All Rebel Rockers are on the soundtrack to The Edge of Never a documentary about extreme skiers mentoring 15-year-old Kye Peterson in his quest to ski the route in Chamonix France that killed his father Trevor Peterson nine years earlier. After discovering that all you need to get into Iraq is a plane ticket I prayed that movie making would be that simple.

Michael Franti (born April 21 1966) is an American poet musician and composer. He is the creator and lead vocalist of Michael Franti & Spearhead a band that blends hip hop with a variety of other styles including funk reggae jazz folk and rock.