Pheeroan akLaff believes that his music is driven by ritual and imagination. He has been a contributor to creative music and interdisciplinary mediums since 1976, building arts as a way to give thanks and work for change. His performances and residencies have occurred throughout Africa, Asia, Australia, New Zealand, and Europe. His work recorded work is voluminous and includes projects with Wadada Leo Smith, Oliver Lake, Anthony Davis, Amina Claudine Myers, Henry Threadgill, Sonny Sharrock, Yamashita Yosuke, Liu Sola, Andrew Hill, Mike Nock, James Newton, Anthony Braxton, and Tom Pierson.
He is a co-founder of Seed Artists Inc. to further arts within communities.
He has mentored many great drummers at Wesleyan University in Connecticut, and led workshops worldwide.