People of McMaster celebrates the incredible people who help make McMaster a great place to work, learn, teach and conduct research. Click here for the rest of the series.
It started like any other night shift. Special Constable Jonathan Asante was doing his typical patrol on campus during Welcome Week, keeping an eye on events, making sure students were safe and having a good time.
Then someone handed him a microphone.
Soon after, a video of Asante singing “All of Me” by John Legend in front of hundreds of cheering students began circulating across campus and online. The spontaneous moment turned into a viral reminder that community can show up in the most unexpected ways.
For Asante, though, it was never about the spotlight; it was about connecting with students and showing a different side of the people who help keep campus safe.
Welcome Week brings thousands of students together for events across campus, and during one of those moments a video of you singing karaoke was captured and widely shared. How did that moment come about?
I told my coworkers it’s funny that I always seem to be working night shifts when karaoke is happening. We were out on patrol, and I had actually done karaoke at an event the previous year as well. Students recognized me and asked, “Were you the guy who did it last year?” When I said yes, they said, “Can you do it again?”
The first time I did it, the crowd was smaller. This time there were a lot more people, speakers and a full stage. I could feel my nerves kicking in and my heart rate went up.
What inspired you to get up and sing?
For me, it’s about connecting with students. Moments like this show that we’re approachable and that we’re part of the community too.
After I sang for the first year, students came up and talked with us afterward. The same thing happened this year. People would say, “Hey, you’re the guy who sang!” It opened the door for conversations that may not have happened otherwise.
What drew you to work at McMaster?
Working at McMaster is unique because it’s almost like its own little city. You meet so many different people and no two days are ever quite the same.
I’ve also always wanted to work in law enforcement, even as a little kid.
I studied criminology and completed a diploma in protection, security, and investigation. About three years ago that path led me here to the Campus Safety team.
What does a typical day look like for you?
Our schedule is rotating. So, on any given week, it can be days or nights, and we’re here 24/7, 365 days a year to support the community.
A typical shift involves patrols across campus, supporting campus events, responding to calls for service and helping wherever we’re needed.
But a big part of the job is simply talking to people.
Safety is a shared responsibility, and building those relationships with students, faculty, and staff makes a big difference. I really enjoy that part of the work.
Did you expect your karaoke moment to get the kind of reaction it did?
Honestly, I was shocked and humbled.
I didn’t think it would go anywhere. I’m a bit of a shy person in certain situations.
Then my family started messaging me saying they’d seen me on the internet. I read the comments on social media, and my friends were also joking that I’d end up on Canadian Idol or something. I was like, “I hope not!”
But it was a great opportunity and I’m glad so many people enjoyed it.
Do you have a background in music?
I do a little bit of singing at my church, Bethel Gospel Tabernacle in Hamilton, but mostly just for fun.
It’s something I enjoy, but it’s more of a personal passion than anything professional.
What’s next for you?
The biggest thing right now is getting ready to become a dad.
My wife and I have a baby girl on the way this spring, so we’re preparing for that next chapter. I’m really looking forward to that.