Cultural Experiences

African Drumming-

Here at Zimbali, drumming is a vibration we love.
There is something about Drumming in the hills; it becomes a time machine that brings you back to the primal self that lives within us all.
Drumming is always a part of our Cooking Tour every Wednesday & Friday nights and Zimbali guests mingle with Negril guests visiting for the evening- it is always a magical time.
Drumming lessons are also available for $35/hr. and the drummers specialize in many different forms.
Cumina
Nyah-bingie
West African
Gerreah
Come and feel the rhythm of nature and re-establish your Rhythm within.

Zimbali’s Rasta Tour and Fresh Seasonings cooking Class with ‘Fiyah’– As with many traditional cultures, you sometimes have to travel a long way to get the genuine experience, and the same is true in Jamaica. However, you’re in luck! Located in the mountains 30 minutes outside Negril, Zimbali is a rare gateway from which you can experience the real culture of Rastafari. Located in Canaan Mountain come and meet Rasta ‘Fiyah’ and hike with him up to his farm “Camp Survival”. 30+ years of natural living and farming, Fiyah upholds the real Livity of Rastafari. On the way you stop at “Gracie’s Spring” to fill your water bottle with natural water straight from the ground. Once up at the camp, follow Fiyah to pick fresh foods and spices. Now it’s time to start the fire. Rasta Cooking is known as ‘Ital Cooking’ and it relies on all-natural herbs, spices and hand squeezed coconut oil for its one of a kind flavor. This is a true learning experience on so many levels that many people find it life changing. This is reason alone to make the journey.

Bongo Roache-
Bongo Roache is a certified herbalist & Rasta Elder who has appeared in many videos and books; people travel from all over the world to consult with him. Tutored in the eternal knowledge by his guru 98 year old Bong Hughe, Bongo Roache is the time keeper of the ancient knowledge of herbal healing as directly handed down from Africa. Bongo Roache has dedicated his life to healing with plants & herbs and travels the entire island collecting his plants and serving the people who need his healing. He has many 100% organic remedies that are all his own and detoxification and rebuilding are the primary goals.
Bongo Roache can be reached for consultation through Zimbali Retreats for the simple price of $50. Also, he gives the most incredible herbal tour for the same rate and you will be left speechless by his knowledge and humbleness. A reincarnated African King, Bongo Roache is a Jewel within Jamaica and the world.

Artist Ishanti-
Canaan Mountain is blessed for so many reasons. But to have an Artist in Residence of the prestige of Ishanti is really a testament to the peace of this place. Having worked as a teacher and accountant in Kingston, He did what many dream of and left his work to dedicate his life to his art. Moving to Canaan he set up his studio and since then, Ishanti’s work has made its way to the National Gallery of Art in Kingston and has been featured in shows around the world. Originally expressing himself in wood carving, his shell carving is awe inspiring as well as leather works and now new heights of beauty in his works with gem stones.
While at Zimbali, it is only a 2 minute stroll to Ishanti’s workshop where you can personally view his myriad of works and talk with the artist yourself.
Ishanti is also kind enough to offer lessons by the hour for a very reasonable rate and you can try your hand at wood carving or create yourself a memorable work in leather to take home with you. How lucky we truly are to live in a place where we can share in this talent together ☺