Learn how to play this percussion and rhythm instrument from a Brazilian artist

UPDATE: An extra session will happen on the same day at 6pm, tickets here.

ASALATO (CAS CAS SHAKER) PERCUSSION WORKSHOP WITH MARI MERENDA (BRAZIL)

For whom: Open to everyone, no previous experience needed (from 12 years old)

When: 17.10.2026 - 2pm to 4pm

Where: Latin American House - 10 Kingsgate Place London, NW6 4TA

Duration: 2 hours

Do I need to have the instrument? No. Asalatos will be provided for the workshop.

Workshop session: Up to 20 people

Join our beginner-friendly workshop suitable for all ages and backgrounds to explore asalato, a percussion and rhythm instrument.

What is asalato?

The asalato (also widely known as kashaka, aslatua, or patica) is a traditional West African percussion and rhythm instrument. It consists of two small hollowed gourds or wooden/plastic balls filled with small seeds, beans, or beads, connected by a string.

By shaking, swinging, and striking the balls against each other, players create complex, rhythmic polyrhythms. It’s compact enough to take anywhere, and the rhythmic shaking is often used to relieve stress and enter a meditative “flow state”.

Practical Content

Instrument Adaptation: Initial string adjustments for the student’s hand, posture instructions, and exercises to stimulate body awareness.

Introduction to basic movements (may vary depending on the level of difficulty or ease of the group): Shaker, Clicks, ternary and binary flip-flops, plus exercises that develop hand autonomy.

Musicality: Group exercises to expand listening and musical expression. Development of rhythmic patterns and arrangement construction.

Final demonstrations and Q&A session.

Mari is also in London performing a show at The Jago (A concert curated by Jazz Cafe) on the 18th of October; and she will be in Brighton playing at A L P H A B E T on the 14th of October.

Tickets and more info for the LONDON show here

Tickets and more info for the BRIGHTON show here

About Mari Merenda

Mari Merenda is a Brazilian singer, songwriter, musical producer, multi-instrumentalist, and music teacher. She started her musical journey when she was only 4 years old, studying piano, guitar and singing. She graduated in music songwriting in São Paulo.

Her videos playing asalato turned her into a worldwide reference on the instrument, a teacher and a pioneer.

She also developed her own musical notation system for the instrument with symbols called ‘Método das Esferas’ (Sphere Method).

Her first album ‘Crônica’ (2022) was self-produced and recorded in her room. In her new EP ‘Reverbero’ (2025), Mari went viral with an original song called ‘Bote no Lugar’.

The project had the songs ‘Reverbero’ and ‘Fúria’ produced by a team of Latin Grammy winners: Felipe Vassão, mixed by João Milliet and mastered by Felipe Tichauer.

Last year, in her second Eurotour, she performed in Portugal, Spain and France, and opened for Gilsons in Berlin, Germany.

Listen to Mari Merenda on Spotify

Watch Mari Merenda videos on Instagram

Questions? Email us at elemosmartin@yoyoma.uk

About Latin American House

Latin American House, established in 1983 as the Latin America Association, has long been a hub for Latin Americans in London and the Kilburn community. Today, we support Latin Americans across the UK, offering legal and social advice on benefits and housing, opportunities to gain life skills, and a space to connect, share ideas, and celebrate Latin American culture.

About Yoyomá

Yoyomá is a live music booking and tour management agency based in London and Bath. Since its inception in 2022, it has represented both Brazilian and international artists by booking, promoting, and touring them throughout the UK. The roster features artists such as Leo Middea, Barbatuques, Da Lata, Lenna Bahule, Nina Maia, and Trinka.

Description supplied by the event organiser.