Pelisa Arts & Energy
Our Mission & Purpose
Pelisa Arts and Energy honors and celebrates the cultural heritage of Congolese culture in America by preserving, presenting, and promoting the music, dance, and cultural arts of the region. We are dedicated to fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of Congolese culture while bridging cultural divides and nurturing the growth of African arts in the diaspora, serving as a cross-cultural bridge by promoting exchange and understanding. By safeguarding the rich traditions of the Kongo Kingdom and Central Africa through preservation of authentic music, dance, and cultural practices, we help to ensure that these traditions are passed down to future generations.
In addition to our cultural preservation efforts, Pelisa Arts & Energy is committed to increasing access to reliable clean energy in Congo. Through education, philanthropy, and the introduction of high-quality, affordable solar products to the Congolese market, we aim to create a demand for sustainable energy solutions. By marrying our cultural initiatives with our energy access goals, we are working towards a more sustainable and empowered future for the Congolese community. Through our work, we strive to empower, uplift, and advocate for the African-Diasporic community in California while also connecting back to our ancestral roots in Congo.
Who are we?
Founded in 2017 by 2nd-generation Congolese-American artist and educator Kiazi Malonga, Pelisa Arts & Energy is an Oakland-based nonprofit and social enterprise dedicated to preserving Congolese cultural heritage and bridging the energy gap in Congo-Brazzaville.
Pelisa Arts & Energy centers the voices of our community members in all of our programs and services. We are deeply committed to presenting arts and cultural programs that celebrate and promote the traditions of communities of color, focusing on Congolese culture within diverse communities in the San Francisco Bay Area. Our programs are centered on cultural traditions and contemporary concepts that highlight the vibrancy and resilience of these communities.
Core programs
Ngoma Drumming and Percussion Series
Pelisa’s flagship program offers free drumming workshops for African-Diasporic youth in the Bay Area, providing hands-on instruction in traditional Congolese percussion. Engaging primarily Black, Afro-Latinx, and Afro-Pacific Islander youth, these sessions foster cultural pride and community cohesion through the rich rhythms and traditions of Ngoma drumming.
Educational Outreach and Community Events
Through partnerships with schools and community centers, Pelisa offers dance, music, and cultural workshops that bring Kongo Kingdom traditions to a diverse audience. Regular drum circles, potlucks, and community events provide a platform for participants of all ages to connect with Congolese culture, building bridges across cultural backgrounds.
Mbongui Healing Project
In collaboration with Thug Therapy, Pelisa offers an African drumming and dance series specifically for Black men, supporting mental health and community healing. Rooted in the mbongui healing traditions of the Kongo Kingdom, these monthly gatherings create a safe space for participants to share, connect, and heal collectively.
Social Justice and Environmental Advocacy
Using the arts as a vehicle for change, Pelisa raises awareness about human rights abuses in the DRC, including the environmental and social impacts of cobalt mining. By engaging Bay Area communities, especially tech professionals, Pelisa fosters dialogue on the impact of resource extraction on African communities and ecosystems.
Renewable Energy Initiatives
Bridging the energy gap in both the Bay Area and Congo-Brazzaville, Pelisa distributes solar equipment to underserved communities, particularly those most affected by climate change. Through workshops and sustainable energy education, Pelisa promotes renewable energy solutions that empower communities and support environmental justice.
