Soulshine cancelled

Photo Credit: Stuart Sevastos / CC by 2.0

After allegations that Spearhead frontman and headliner Michael Franti sexually abused a fellow musician, Soulshine at Sea has been cancelled.

Last week, Spanish-American singer Victoria Canal accused an unnamed older musician of abusing and grooming her for eight years at the start of her career. Following her post, Soulshine at Sea, a four-day concert cruise set for November and headlined by Spearhead frontman Michael Franti, was cancelled.

Since then, several artists have announced dropping out of their upcoming tour with Spearhead. Now, Michael Franti is speaking out—but Activist Artist Management wants nothing to do with him either.

The 59-year-old Franti released a lengthy statement admitting to an affair with an artist who was touring with him, but disputed claims of abuse. “I’m aware of the recent posts this artist made about our relationship, and while I support her need to express herself publicly, the relationship was completely consensual, based on mutual feelings and attraction.”

The musician added that he “vehemently disputes” Canal’s allegations, but promised to take “full accountability for not better recognizing the power imbalance as she was younger than me, and I was the headliner on tour.”

Canal addressed Franti’s statement on her Instagram Stories this week, writing that it was “definitely challenging to read given the truth of my experience.”

“But it’s not capacity to go to war on this,” she added. “I am used to gaslighting from this person. People are gonna believe what they believe—I’m the one that has to live with effects of what really happened in my body, and I am the one responsible for my own healing.”

“I had no agenda for sharing my story—I simply want to let go, and to let young women entering the world of music know to keep their eyes open and protect themselves,” Canal concluded.

Since Canal’s allegations against Franti have been made public, Dispatch, Maggie Rose, Hirie, and Liz Vice have all announced they were no longer performing at this year’s Soulshine, even before cruise organizers announced its cancellation. Further, Tank and the Bangas announced they were dropping out of their upcoming tour with Michael Franti and Spearhead.

Michael Franti is also no longer a client at Activist Artist Management, confirmed a source close to the matter. His departure from the management firm comes just after the news that Soulshine at Sea was cancelled.

“In light of recent events, the Soulshine at Sea with Michael Franti event scheduled for November 4-8, 2025, is now cancelled,” wrote Sixthman, the organizers for Soulshine, on the cruise’s website. “We are actively working to announce a new event that will sail November 4-8, 2025.”

“As we communicated on Friday, August 15, to booked guests, all guests will be offered options regarding their reservations, which include a full refund or future Sixthman credit,” they conclude. “We appreciate your patience as we work behind the scenes to provide swift and clear information to our guests.”