West African Cultural Arts Institute

05/16/2026

Africa Night is TONIGHT, Saturday, May 16th from 6-9 pm at the EMU Ballroom at the UO. Food will be served on a first come, first served basis at 6 pm with performances starting at 7 pm. Come see the work that WACAI has done with the HONEY Youth Performers in a lively drum and dance presentation! This event is FREE and open to the public.

05/13/2026

All-Levels 5 Week African Drum Course starts in one week!
Tuesdays May 9-June 16
5:45-7:15 pm

Register TODAY!
Link in bio

$75 for 7.5 hour pre-paid course
$60 students w/ valid ID for 7.5 hour pre-paid course

SOME CLASS OUTCOMES:

•Improved hand position, posture and sound quality
•Enhanced speed, endurance, manual dexterity
•Increased ability to focus on specific drum parts
•Capacity to hold steady while drumming in a poly-rhythmic group setting
•Deeper understanding of the wealth and diversity of West African cultural arts
•Relaxation, enjoyment & self-expression

04/29/2026

What an incredible experience at this year’s Springfield Public Schools’ Black Student Union Conference!

WACAI had the honor of delivering an opening performance that set the tone for the entire day, followed by 2 hands-on, interactive drum sessions that had students fully engaged and energized.

We were proud to be part of such a meaningful event and loved every moment of sharing the joy of Guinean drumming with the next generation of leaders!

04/24/2026

Springfield Public Schools’ second annual Black Student Union (BSU) conference will inspire and entertain students while they forge connections with BSU members and community leaders.

WACAI will kick off the event with an energizing performance followed by two interactive, hands-on drum classes. Other break out sessions with community leaders include the history of hip-hop, Ethnic Studies, STEM and small business workshops.

Friday, April 24

04/15/2026

Two great reasons to be at the ballpark tomorrow, April 15th: Jackie Robinson Day AND a West African Cultural Arts Institute fundraiser at the Eugene Emeralds game!

It’s a celebration of culture, community and baseball all rolled into one unforgettable evening. Grab your tickets and join us for a day that truly means something!

For every $12 ticket purchased, $6 will go directly to support the vital work of our organization. Enjoy a fantastic game, honor a legendary figure and contribute to a cultural cause all in one day. Secure your tickets now and be part of this special event by visiting the link: https://www.gofevo.com/event/Westafrican2

WACAI will be welcoming fans at the gate by playing traditional Guinean rhythms at 6 pm. Don’t miss it!

04/15/2026

Two great reasons to be at the ballpark tomorrow, April 15th: Jackie Robinson Day AND a West African Cultural Arts Institute fundraiser at the Eugene Emeralds game!

It’s a celebration of culture, community and baseball all rolled into one unforgettable evening. Grab your tickets and join us for a day that truly means something!

For every $12 ticket purchased, $6 will go directly to support the vital work of our organization. Enjoy a fantastic game, honor a legendary figure and contribute to a cultural cause all in one day. Secure your tickets now and be part of this special event by visiting the link in the bio!

WACAI will be welcoming fans at the gate by playing traditional Guinean rhythms at 6 pm. Don’t miss it!

04/10/2026

Event: WACAI x Eugene Emeralds
Date: 4/15/26
Location: PK Park
6 pm live drumming at the gates
Join us for an unforgettable day at the ballpark while supporting a great cause! The West African Cultural Arts Institute is hosting a fundraiser at the Eugene Emeralds game on April 15, in celebration of Jackie Robinson Day. For every $12 ticket purchased, $6 will go directly to support the vital work of the organization. Enjoy a fantastic game, honor a legendary figure, and contribute to a cultural cause all in one day. Secure your tickets now and be part of this special event! Buy tickets via link in bio.
Live drumming at gates at 6 pm

02/28/2026

02/09/2026

Alseny Yansane joins Eric Richardson and crew for a night of jazz commemorating Black History Month during the Black Comes to Eugene Performance.

01/10/2026

Don’t miss these weekend workshops with Mouminatou Camara of Ballets Africans! Moumi is a gorgeous dancer and an experienced teacher who skillfully breaks steps down and paces her classes to fit student comprehension.

Saturday 1/10-2-4:00 pm
Sunday 1/11-1-3 pm

$25 each or both classes for $45

Matt Dishman Community Center
77 NE Knott Street
Portland, OR