Pelisa Arts & Energy’s core programs include:

Ngoma Drumming and Percussion Community Outreach: Free drumming and dance workshops for African-Diasporic youth and families at schools and community centers across the Bay Area, providing hands-on instruction in traditional Congolese percussion and dance. Through partnerships with schools and community organizations in Oakland, Hayward, and East Palo Alto, we offer ongoing class series, drum circles, cultural workshops, and Black History Month assemblies.

Rhythms of Fatherhood: Ongoing series of community events for Black and Brown fathers and children in Oakland, centered on health and wellbeing rooted in the mbongui healing traditions of the Kongo Kingdom. Events feature live music and dance, culturally resonant meals, facilitated community dialogue with licensed therapists, cooking workshops, outdoor activities, and planting events.

Music as Medicine: Live performance and cultural healing series bringing culturally grounded music and gathering practices into healthcare settings, produced in partnership with clinical and community health organizations. Each session integrates Ngoma drumming, communal dialogue, shared meals, and mental health support.

Professional Dance and Music Performances: Collaborations with local arts and community organizations showcasing Congolese dance and music at festivals, cultural celebrations, and community events throughout the Bay Area and beyond.

EPA to DRC: A socially-engaged dance and music performance project exploring parallels between Silicon Valley’s exploitation of the Black community of East Palo Alto and the exploitation of the Democratic Republic of Congo for its cobalt and labor.

Social Justice and Environmental Advocacy: Using the arts as a vehicle for change, Pelisa increases access to renewal energy in underserved communities and raises awareness about environmental and social impacts of cobalt mining – fostering dialogue about the impact of resource extraction on African diasporic communities.

Rhythms Risings: Culture Mentorship & Healing: African-diasporic arts and culture programming with justice-system impacted youth in Alameda County Juvenile Hall.