Afro Roots Fest Power of Percussion Workshops 

With artists Gino Coca-Mir and José Elias

THREE WEEK SATURDAY SESSIONS: 

March 21st, 28th & April 4th, all at 12pm-1pm at the Blue Marlin Stage

Afro Roots Fest and Power of Percussion artists will teach the program over a three class, two week period to establish the core group of percussionists for a "Percussion for Peace" performance at the Afro Roots Fest on April 4th.

These workshops are all FREE with registration.

Join us for a 60 min percussion workshop with Amo Soumah, master West African percussionist, dancer, and educator originally from Conakry, Guinea. This workshop is offered as part of the festival's Percussion for Peace drumming workshop series.

Join us for a 60 min percussion workshop with Sanba Zao, legendary Haitian percussionist, singer, composer, and cultural leader known as a pioneering figure in Haiti’s traditional mizik rasin (roots music) movement. 

Take BOTH Percussion for Peace workshops with Amy Soumah and Sanba Zao for only $50! ($60 value)

Eddie Osborne is a Florida Keys based cultural artist and instrument maker who will lead a hands-on workshop exploring traditional instrument craftsmanship and the musical traditions of the African diaspora.

FRIDAY, APRIL 3RD. Join CAC: The Inheritants Project Afro-Roots 2026 for an engaging

Sekere | Shekere | Chekere Making Workshop, perfect for all ages!

Discover the rich cultural heritage of the Sekere; a traditional West

African percussion instrument, while crafting your own unique

instrument to take home. This hands-on workshop guides participants

through the 4-HOUR process of assembling, dressing, and learning to play

the Sekere. No prior musical experience needed—bring your creativity

and enthusiasm! All materials are provided, and everyone is welcome to

participate in this joyful celebration of music, art, and community.

In this workshop, participants will make the 1st Sekere and will learn

that Sekeres are played as a family of three. With the smallest and

highest-pitched instrument, often considered the "1st" or lead instrument

in terms of tempo and pattern; plays the foundational pattern for the

group. This is the instrument that makes the dancer dance.

BECOME AN AFRO ROOTS FEST VENDOR! Vendors will receive one 10X10 space on Morada Way. Pay one flat rate, keep all of your sales! If you are already a SPONSOR of the event, your 10X10 space is included. Vendors must be set up by 11:30am on April 4th, and broken down by 10pm the same day. Vendors are welcome to come as early as 9am to begin setup, you must bring your own tent, chairs, lighting and power source if needed. All vendors must be approved by the festival director and sign a contract. Thank you and we look forward to having you at the AFRO ROOTS FEST ISLAMORADA this year!

BECOME AN AFRO ROOTS FEST VENDOR! Vendors will receive one 10X10 space on Morada Way. Pay one flat rate, keep all of your sales! If you are already a SPONSOR of the event, your 10X10 space is included. Vendors must be set up by 11:30am on April 4th, and broken down by 10pm the same day. Vendors are welcome to come as early as 9am to begin setup, you must bring your own tent, chairs, lighting and power source if needed. All vendors must be approved by the festival director and sign a contract. Thank you and we look forward to having you at the AFRO ROOTS FEST ISLAMORADA this year!

Please register here to reserve your spot for attending the evening concerts from 4-9:30pm! This year’s featured artists include Miami’s Grammy-nominated string quartet Cortadito, the multidisciplinary environmental arts project Everglades Songbook Suite led by José Elias, Haitian roots music pioneers Sanba Zao, and Famato, presenting traditional folk music from Guinea, West Africa.