In the hands of Abel Selaocoe, the cello transforms into something more than an instrument—it becomes a conduit for deep cultural dialogue, a bridge between history and the present, Africa and the West. With his new album, Hymns of Bantu, Selaocoe weaves together the resonances of classical music with the soul South of African tradition, proving that music is a language beyond time and borders.
IMAGE: Abel Selaocoe
A Journey Rooted in Sound
Born in 1992 in Sebokeng, South Africa, Selaocoe’s musical journey began under the influence of his older brother, Sammy. At a young age, he joined a Saturday music program at the African Cultural Organization of South Africa, where he was introduced to the cello. What started as classical training soon expanded into an exploration of his heritage, leading him to fuse the rich traditions of South African singing with Western instrumentation
His vocals, inspired by the throat singing of the Xhosa people, intertwine with the cello’s deep timbre to create a sound that is at once ancient and new. His compositions traverse genres, blending classical suites, township rhythms, and ancestral anthems with lyrics in Sotho and Zulu.
NPR Tiny Desk: A Meeting of Musical Minds
During a visit to NPR’s headquarters in Washington, D.C., Selaocoe shared his philosophy with Morning Edition host Michel Martin. Dressed in a striking red and black patterned jumper, his dreadlocks pulled up into a ponytail, he spoke with the same passion that fuels his performances.
“Percussion is imitating the language, melodic instruments are imitating the voice,” he explained, capturing his approach to merging different musical traditions. He draws parallels between old South African polyphonic singing—known as umngqokolo, where a singer produces two simultaneous notes—and Western harmonic traditions. “We began to look a bit like each other sometimes through hymnal singing,” he reflected. “And I thought those worlds should collide into one place.”
Hymns of Bantu: A Celebration of Ancestral Echoes
With Hymns of Bantu, Selaocoe delves into the unique modal scales and overtone harmonic systems of African music before Western four-part harmony took root. The album’s 12 tracks feature a tapestry of sounds, from African percussion to orchestral arrangements, solo cello, and electric bass. By interpreting traditional Bantu music alongside the works of Bach and Marais, Selaocoe highlights the continuity between these musical legacies rather than their differences.
“The crux of the album is about celebrating those that have come before us, and how we are all connected,” he says. “It’s allowing classical music to again sit in the same space as where I’m from—allowing Bach to sit next to overtones and the world of throat singing.”
A Global Vision Rooted in African Ideals
Now based in the United Kingdom, Selaocoe continues to push musical boundaries with his experimental trio, Chesaba, and his Bantu ensemble. Both projects seamlessly blend African and Western traditions, reflecting his belief in music’s boundless nature.
“I’m an African person with African ideals, but those ideals are connected to the universality of the world,” he says.
Through his music, Selaocoe not only honours his heritage but also expands the possibilities of classical and traditional forms, proving that true artistry lies in embracing all that shapes us.
Discover the sonic tapestry of Abel Selaocoe’s Hymns of Bantu
