The History of the Kashaka
From West African Rhythm Instrument to Global Sound Phenomenon
Kashaka – also known as Asalato, Patica, or Tchangot Tchangot – are a traditional West African musical instrument that captivates not only with its distinctive sound but also with its fascinating playing technique. Consisting of two small, seed-filled balls connected by a string, the instrument produces rhythmic sounds through shaking, swinging, and the clashing of the balls. Playing the Kashaka requires coordination, timing, and a strong sense of rhythm – and it is precisely these qualities that have made it a beloved instrument among percussionists and performers around the world today.
Origins and Traditional Use
The origins of the kashakas lie in West Africa, particularly in countries such as Ghana, Mali, Côte d’Ivoire, and Burkina Faso. There, they are known by different names – “Asalato” in Ghana, “Kes Kes” or “Tchangot Tchangot” in other regions. Traditionally, Kashakas were made from natural materials: dried fruits or gourds (often the shell of the Oncoba spinosa fruit) filled with seeds or small stones, connected by a simple string or palm fiber.
In many West African cultures, Kashaka was – and still is – not only musical instruments but also tools for teaching rhythm to children, as well as objects with ritual or symbolic significance. They were used in dances, celebrations, and ceremonies – often accompanying drums, singing, and movement.
The Global Journey of the Kashaka
With the rise of globalization and the growing interest in world music, Kashakas made their way out of their traditional context and into the world music scene in the late 20th century. Especially during the 1990s and 2000s, musicians from Europe, Japan, North America, and Latin America began integrating the instrument into their percussion setups – often inspired by trips to Africa or collaborations with African musicians.
The modern version of the Kashaka may also be made of plastic, which has improved playability, durability, and sound quality. Despite these innovations, the traditional construction from natural materials remains highly valued among purists and those with an interest in ethnomusicology.
Yoshihiro Shimada
A Japanese tourist, Yoshihiro Shimada, is also mentioned in the same source. He is said to be fascinated by the performance of a Senegalese musician named Mika, who plays the “Kashaka (Asalato)” with great virtuosity.
Moussa Diarra
A Reddit post describes a Ghanaian musician, Moussa Diarra, who creates impressive music using two gourds connected by a string. The comment explicitly identifies the instrument as Asalato / Kashaka:
“It is also better known for asalato.”
Mariana Merenda (Brasilien)
A Reddit post mentions the Brazilian singer Mariana Merenda, who prominently uses an Asalato in the song Feira de Mangaio — the instrument is explicitly named here.
“Credits for Mariana Merenda singing Feira de Mangaio with an Asalato”
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🎵 Artists & Performances
Salliou
An article in Garland Magazine mentions a virtuoso Asalato player named Salliou performing at the Accra Arts Center. He plays “cas cas (asalato)” – a highly percussive and rhythmically complex instrument.
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.