Abel Selaocoe

Abel Selaocoe
Born1992 (age 31–32)
Sebokeng, South Africa
Occupation(s)Musician, singer, composer
Instrumentcello
LabelsWarner Classics
Websitewww.abelselaocoe.com

Abel Selaocoe (born 1992) is a cellist, singer, composer and improviser from South Africa.

Biography

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Selaocoe 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

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Abel 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

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Collaborations

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Discography

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  • Where is Home (Hae Ke Kae) (2022)

References

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  1. ^ 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.
  2. ^ 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.
  3. ^ "Strings Alumni - Royal Northern College of Music". RNCM. Retrieved 16 September 2024.
  4. ^ a b "News | Abel Selaocoe | Warner Classics". www.warnerclassics.com. 10 August 2021. Retrieved 16 September 2024.
  5. ^ a b "How South Africa's Abel Selaocoe includes throat singing while playing the cello". The BBC. 11 January 2024. Retrieved 16 September 2024.
  6. ^ 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.
  7. ^ "2023 RPS Awards winners announced". Royal Philharmonic Society. Retrieved 16 September 2024.
  8. ^ "BBC Concert Orchestra with Abel Selaocoe". EFG London Jazz Festival. Retrieved 16 September 2024.
  9. ^ Sinfonia, Britten. "Abel Selaocoe". Britten Sinfonia. Retrieved 16 September 2024.
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