Hymns of Bantu Abel Selaocoe

• 1 Tsohle Tsohle 05:53
• 2 Emmanuele 04:49
• 3 Kea Morata 05:59
• 4 Tshepo - I 02:52
• 5 Tshepo - II (Rapela) 03:27
• 6 Cello Suite No. 6 in D Major, BWV 1012: IV. Sarabande (Arr. Thomas for Cello & String Orchestra) 03:22
• 7 Dinaka 04:01
• 8 Improv on Marin Marais' Pièces de viole, Livre II, Suite No. 3 en ré majeur "Les voix humaines" (Arr. Selaocoe & Thomas for Vocal and Cello) 04:52
• 9 Takamba 04:35
• 10 L.B. Files: Concerto 08:45
• 11 L.B. Files: Igiul 04:39
• 12 Camagu 05:00
• Total Runtime 58:14

Info for Hymns of Bantu

The new album "Hymns of Bantu" by South African cellist, composer and vocalist Abel Selaocoe lets the listener immerse themselves in the unique scales and harmonies of South Africa's music long before western polyphonic music was introduced. And so in his album, the musician explores how cultural history unfolds.

12 tracks Abel Selaocoe wrote for varying ensembles, from his own Bantu ensemble with African percussion instruments to orchestra, solo cello and electric bass. On these 12 tracks, Abel Selaocoe interprets traditional Bantu music alongside compositions by Bach and by Marin Marais. Between the different musical traditions, he highlights their synergies more strongly than their differences.

As a bridge-builder between classical music and world music, Abel Selaocoe is equally at home at the BBC Proms as well as on the stage of pop music festivals. With "Hymns of Bantu", he now gives full expression to his cultural joy of discovery.

"Hymns of Bantu" is an album that seeks to highlight the universal commonalities of different peoples as well as the healing power of singing. It allows us to gain an inspiration or even a perpetual understanding of those who were before us. Using voice and cello, "Hymns of Bantu" illustrates the broad spectrum of being human and invites you to a free and deep listening experience.

"I take what once ached and turn it around. Because when I listen to the South African anthems, it doesn't sound like colonial pain," says Abel Selaocoe. "It's simply sounds of healing. Everything is in the healing process, and even if we are not even aware of where the music comes from, we make it our own and create something new from it that gives everyone strength. I wish that anyone who listens to "Hymns of Bantu" will feel that some kind of tissue exists that connects all people together.

Abel Selaocoe, vocals, cello, percussion
Fred Thomas, piano, percussion
Alan Keary, electric bass
Sidiki Dembele, percussion
Dudu Kouate, percussion
Manchester Collective

Abel Selaocoe
South African cellist Abel Selaocoe is redefining the parameters of the cello. He moves seamlessly across a plethora of genres and styles, from collaborations with world musicians and beatboxers, to concerto performances and solo classical recitals. Abel combines virtuosic performance with improvisation, singing and body percussion, and has a special interest in curating recital programmes that highlight the links between Western and non-Western musical traditions, with view to helping classical music reach a more diverse audience.

In 2016, Abel formed Chesaba – a trio specializing in music from the African continent, including many of his own compositions. He enjoys close collaborations with musicians from a medley of genres, including Bernhard Schimpelsberger, Tim Garland, Seckou Keita, Giovanni Sollima, Famoudou Don Moye and Gwilym Simcock. He has a close partnership with Manchester Collective, with whom he devised the hugely successful Sirocco programme which has been enjoyed both live and digitally by audiences since 2019. In 2020/21, Abel performed at Kings Place, Norfolk & Norwich and Ryedale Festivals, and performed with ensembles including BBC Concert Orchestra at the EFG London Jazz Festival, Manchester Collective and Britten Sinfonia.

Abel made his solo BBC Proms debut in August 2021, curating a programme with the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, Chesaba and Gnawa Ensemble. Other highlights of the 2021/22 season include a tour with Manchester Collective and Chesaba of their new collaboration, The Oracle; debuts with St Paul Chamber Orchestra and at Stanford Live; and performances both solo and with Chesaba throughout the UK and Europe.

Abel Selaocoe is an exclusive recording artist with Warner Classics and his debut album Where is Home? (Hae Ke Kae) on the subject of home and refuge will be released on Friday 23 September 2022.

Abel completed his International Artist Diploma at the Royal Northern College of Music in July 2018. Alongside his numerous awards and recognition throughout the industry, in May 2021, Abel was announced as an inaugural Power Up Music Creator participant in PRS Foundation’s new initiative to address anti-Black racism and racial disparities in the music sector.

Booklet for Hymns of Bantu