Abel Selaocoe (born 1992) is a cellist, singer, composer and improviser from South Africa.
Abel Selaocoe | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1992 (age 31–32) Sebokeng, South Africa |
| Occupation(s) | Musician, singer, composer |
| Instrument | cello |
| Labels | Warner Classics |
| Website | www |
Biography
editSelaocoe was born in 1992 in Sebokeng, a township in South Africa. He started learning classical cello following his older brother Sammy at a Saturday music programme for children at the African Cultural Organization of South Africa (ACOSA) in Soweto. At 13 Selacoe won a scholarship to St Johns College in Johannesburg. At the college he studied with the teacher Michael Masote, one of the most influential classical South African musicians.[1]
In 2010 Selaocoe moved to Manchester and enrolled at the Royal Northern College of Music.[1][2] He completed his International Artist Diploma in 2018.[3]
In 2021 Selaocoe signed to Warner Classics record label.[4]
On 23 September 2022 Selaocoe released his debut album Where is Home (Hae Ke Kae).
Style
editAbel Selaocoe combines classical cello with traditional South African singing. His vocals are inspired by the throat singing of the Xhosa people.[5] His music combines different genres including classical suite, township rhythms and ancestral anthems.[6] His tracks include translations in African languages including Sotho and Zulu.[1]
Awards
edit- RPS Instrumentalist Award (2023)[7]
Collaborations
editDiscography
edit- Where is Home (Hae Ke Kae) (2022)
References
edit- ^ a b c d e Morris, Hugh (23 September 2022). "Abel Selaocoe Finds a Home in Improvisation". The New York Times. Retrieved 16 September 2024.
- ^ Nowell, Andrew (28 March 2022). "What Manchester Means To Me: why musician Abel Selaocoe finds an ideal creative hub in the city". Retrieved 16 September 2024.
- ^ "Strings Alumni - Royal Northern College of Music". RNCM. Retrieved 16 September 2024.
- ^ a b "News | Abel Selaocoe | Warner Classics". www.warnerclassics.com. 10 August 2021. Retrieved 16 September 2024.
- ^ a b "How South Africa's Abel Selaocoe includes throat singing while playing the cello". The BBC. 11 January 2024. Retrieved 16 September 2024.
- ^ Davis, Clive (8 September 2022). "Abel Selaocoe: Where Is Home review — a cellist with charisma and raw energy". The New York Times. Retrieved 16 September 2024.
- ^ "2023 RPS Awards winners announced". Royal Philharmonic Society. Retrieved 16 September 2024.
- ^ "BBC Concert Orchestra with Abel Selaocoe". EFG London Jazz Festival. Retrieved 16 September 2024.
- ^ Sinfonia, Britten. "Abel Selaocoe". Britten Sinfonia. Retrieved 16 September 2024.
External links
edit
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