Kashaka & Kiseng Kiseng
Rhythmic Shakers From Around the World
A Global Instrument, Reimagined
Known by many names—Asalato, Patica, Kosika, Kes Kes—Kashakas are rhythmic shakers connected by a cord. When played with skill, they produce hypnotic, looping rhythms that challenge coordination, ignite joy, and promote flow.
At Artisan Instruments, we offer two distinct takes on this beloved percussion tool:
- Kashakas — our original, durable design.
- Kiseng Kiseng — traditional seed pod Kashakas made from gourds grown in Senegal.
Boom, Laka & Papa Kashaka
Durable • Adjustable • Addictively Rhythmic
Our handcrafted Kashakas come in three sizes to suit every hand and playing style:
- Boom – Our original (2″) — balanced and versatile
- Laka – Smaller (1.75″) — faster and lighter
- Papa – Larger (2.25″) — deeper tone and bigger impact
Made from durable materials, each pair is:
- Adjustable – Customize the cord length to your comfort
- Handcrafted – Each set is skillfully handcrafted and tested in our BC workshop
- Built to last – perfect for those who value quality, dependability, and playability in their instruments.
- Personalize – 7 rope color options, pyrography design available
Kiseng Kiseng: Traditional Seed Pod Kashaka
Organic • Soulful
Kisengers are made from gourds of the Oncoba spinosa tree in Senegal, traditionally used to make Kashakas. We shellac them with care, fit them with eyelets, and string them with your choice of rope color.
- Available in 3 sizes
- 3 coats of shellac for beauty and preservation
- Choose from 3 rope colors
- Filled with organic shaker materials and ready to sing
These instruments may break with use—but we see this as a rite of passage. It means you’ve been practicing so, good for you! 💛
If they do happen to break (and they may not), send us a photo and we’ll send you a 40% off coupon to upgrade to our more durable Boom, Laka, or Papa Kashakas. And your photo will go on our Kashaka Wall of Fame!
Yowie
Yowie is one of today’s most inspiring percussion performers, celebrated worldwide for her breathtaking mastery of the Asalato, also known as Kashaka or Aslatua. With unmatched creativity, she transforms this traditional West African shaker into a modern instrument of expression, producing hypnotic rhythms that combine raw energy with refined elegance.
Her viral videos and unforgettable live shows have built her a fast-growing international community, with hundreds of thousands of fans on YouTube, Instagram, and beyond. For anyone searching for the magic of Asalato / Kashaka / Aslatua music and performance, Yowie delivers an experience where rhythm becomes art and music speaks louder than words.
🤔 Which One Is Right for You?
| Feature | Boom/Laka/Papa Kashakas | Kisengers |
|---|---|---|
| Durability | Very durable | May break with excessive playing |
| Materials | Hardwood, cored & sealed | Natural gourds (Senegal) |
| Skill Level | All levels | All levels |
| Adjustability | Yes | Yes |
| Sound Quality | Consistent & bright | Organic & expressive |
| Price | Higher | Lower |
Facebook Site
Explore our Facebook Site, where we share additional information about this amazing musical instruments and there players around the world!