Madeline

The Maker; The Player; The Freelancer

Madeline was working as a researcher, before she took a leap of faith 2 years ago to pursue her passions. She became a freelance music teacher and set up Asalato Singapore — making and teaching the asalato (a percussion instrument that originated from West Africa). 

Madeline stumbled upon the asalato on YouTube more than 10 years ago and its unique beats immediately piqued her interest. It wasn’t sold in Singapore, so she tried to make it herself. What was initially 2 bean-filled Kinder Joy, drilled and connected, has been repeatedly refined into the beautiful asalatos which Madeline makes and sells today. 

It is more than just an instrument. Madeline believes in the possibilities of the asalato and hopes to use it to encourage people to try something new and bring people together. 

Madeline embodies the curiosity and boldness even beyond her exploration with asalato. She has also dabbled into making wooden rings and cooking, and hopes to try the violin and gardening in the future too.