Abel Selaocoe
Abel Selaocoe - Tsohle Tsohle
Tsohle Tsohle, meaning “everything is everything” in Sesotho, is a celebration of connection to the world around us, and the first of many mindful philosophies that underpin Abel Selaocoe’s second album with Warner Classics, Hymns of Bantu.
In Abel’s words: “This track is actually really famous in South Africa. It's one of our most celebrated traditional hymns; a celebration of things that are made in the image of you by you. All that's around us is made in the image of us, which is so beautiful. So I thought this would be such an incredible way to start the album, and a way to really relate universally to all of you.”
Manchester Collective (reduced Strings), Abel Selaocoe (vocals, cello, percussion), Fred Thomas (piano, percussion), Alan Keary (electric bass), Sidiki Dembele (percussion), Dudù Kouate (percussion)
Hymns of Bantu is out now. Listen: https://w.lnk.to/hbantuLY
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Warner Classics is the home of classical music, featuring iconic high audio quality recordings from the greatest classical legends, opera stars and orchestras of the last century.
Discover our unique collection of live performances, studio sessions and films featuring Maria Callas, Jacqueline du Pré, Nigel Kennedy, Mstislav Rostropovich, Yehudi Menuhin, Itzhak Perlman, Herbert von Karajan, Berliner Philharmoniker and more.
Along with its sister label Erato, Warner Classics continues this tradition with today's most in-demand classical artists, such as Philippe Jaroussky, Joyce DiDonato, Diana Damrau, Emmanuel Pahud, Alexandre Tharaud, Sir Antonio Pappano, Christina Pluhar and Renaud Capuçon.
Enjoy this ever-expanding library of official performance videos and exclusive interviews from the classical greats. Check back regularly for more music from your favourite composers including Bach, Mozart, Chopin, Debussy, Satie, Beethoven, Vivaldi, Handel and more.
Abel Selaocoe: Tiny Desk Concert
Tom Huizenga | March 3, 2025
Abel Selaocoe arrived early for his Tiny Desk performance so he could pop into a studio to talk with NPR’s Morning Edition. That’s where the versatile South African cellist and vocalist told the touching story of how he first got the hang of his instrument. Unable to afford a real cello, Selaocoe drew the strings of the instrument on paper, then pasted it to his chest to practice the fingerings.
These days, he tours the world offering his singular synthesis of global, jazz and classical sounds, always remembering his roots, even when collaborating with the likes of Yo-Yo Ma.
Selaocoe’s adroit bowing and percussive fingering gives the cello a vast color palette, with sounds of flutes and drums. His vocalizing, mostly in the Sesotho language, includes a kind of gravelly throat singing in which two or more pitches are produced, heard in the opening song which he dedicates to mothers and strong women who “[hold] the knife on the sharp side.”
French baroque meets contemporary South Africa in “Les Voix Humaines/Tsohle Tsohle,” where Selaocoe braids music by Marin Marais around tender singing. And he closes with an improvisation, noting that he prefers “people who don’t write the script and re-read it again.” The tune begins in a flurry of bowed arpeggios, like white caps on the lake, and evolves into plucked strings with metal clips attached, reminiscent of thumb pianos.
Selaocoe has indeed written his own distinctive “script.” In classical music, there are those who follow age-old traditions — and that’s just fine. But then there are those, like Selaocoe, who create brand-new traditions.
SET LIST
“Ka Bohaleng”
Marin Marais/Selaocoe: “Les Voix Humaines/Tsohle Tsohle”
“Dinaka”
MUSICIANS
Abel Selaocoe: cello, vocals
TINY DESK TEAM
Producer: Tom Huizenga
Director: Joshua Bryant
Audio Technical Director: Josephine Nyounai
Host/Series Producer: Bobby Carter
Video Editor: Kara Frame
Videographers: Joshua Bryant, Maia Stern
Audio Engineer: Josh Newell
Production Assistant: Dora Levite
Photographer: Michael Zamora
Tiny Desk Team: Lars Gotrich, Ashley Pointer
Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed
Series Creators: Bob Boilen, Stephen Thompson
VP, Visuals and Music: Keith Jenkins
#tinydesk #nprmusic #abelselaocoe
Abel Selaocoe & Yo-Yo Ma record Ibuyile I'Africa / Africa is Back
Cellist, singer, and composer Abel Selaocoe joins with the legendary cellist Yo-Yo Ma and a musical ensemble in his original arrangement of the South African hymn "Ibuyile iAfrica", meaning "Africa is back" in the language of isiZulu. Discover this and more on Abel's debut album: https://w.lnk.to/wihLY
"I came up with this wonderful arrangement as an ode to one of South Africa’s legends, Desmond Tutu. He and other icons like Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela fought for our freedom, and I stand on their shoulders. When I go to Europe, when I perform anywhere in the world, it’s because of their efforts that I’m allowed these experiences. I’m also really honoured to have had one of my role models, cellist Yo-Yo Ma, play on this song. Speaking of identity, he’s someone who has paved the way for more cellists to seek out their own identities, find their voices and have a reason to touch and to reflect the society around us." – Abel Selaocoe
Video: Karolina Wielocha
#ClassicalMusic #AfricanMusic
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Warner Classics is the home of classical music, featuring iconic high audio quality recordings from the greatest classical legends, opera stars and orchestras of the last century.
Discover our unique collection of live performances, studio sessions and films featuring Maria Callas, Jacqueline du Pré, Nigel Kennedy, Mstislav Rostropovich, Yehudi Menuhin, Itzhak Perlman, Herbert von Karajan, Berliner Philharmoniker and more.
Along with its sister label Erato, Warner Classics continues this tradition with today's most in-demand classical artists, such as Philippe Jaroussky, Joyce DiDonato, Diana Damrau, Emmanuel Pahud, Alexandre Tharaud, Sir Antonio Pappano, Christina Pluhar and Renaud Capuçon.
Enjoy this ever-expanding library of official performance videos and exclusive interviews from the classical greats. Check back regularly for more music from your favourite composers including Bach, Mozart, Chopin, Debussy, Satie, Beethoven, Vivaldi, Handel and more.
Abel Selaocoe plays Bach: Cello Suite No. 6, BWV 1012: IV. Sarabande
A beautiful performance and arrangement of Bach’s Sarabande from his sixth cello suite - arranged for cello & string orchestra by Fred Thomas.
“This piece I really, really love because it speaks of singing in a different way; with a soulfulness that is universal. When you hear the beginning, you become very calm and serene, as if it is creating that space just to sit back and reflect. I think the world of singing is very universal for everybody.”
Abel Selaocoe (cello), Manchester Collective (full strings)
Video production:
Director: Lydia Harrison
Production Manager: Sorcha Macdonald
Production Coordinator: Rachel Davies
Production Runner/DIT: Will Whitehead
DOP: Liam White
Focus Puller: Axel Gillot
Gaffer: Ollie Riches
Audio Engineer: Eduardo Puhl
Runner: Ismael Munir
Listen on Spotify: https://abelselaocoe.lnk.to/playlistID
Follow Abel for updates:
YouTube: / @abel_selaocoe
Instagram: / https://www.instagram.com/abelselaocoe
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Newsletter: https://www.abelselaocoe.com
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Warner Classics is the home of classical music, featuring iconic high audio quality recordings from the greatest classical legends, opera stars and orchestras of the last century.
Discover our unique collection of live performances, studio sessions and films featuring Maria Callas, Jacqueline du Pré, Nigel Kennedy, Mstislav Rostropovich, Yehudi Menuhin, Itzhak Perlman, Herbert von Karajan, Berliner Philharmoniker and more.
Along with its sister label Erato, Warner Classics continues this tradition with today's most in-demand classical artists, such as Philippe Jaroussky, Joyce DiDonato, Diana Damrau, Emmanuel Pahud, Alexandre Tharaud, Sir Antonio Pappano, Christina Pluhar and Renaud Capuçon.
Enjoy this ever-expanding library of official performance videos and exclusive interviews from the classical greats. Check back regularly for more music from your favourite composers including Bach, Mozart, Chopin, Debussy, Satie, Beethoven, Vivaldi, Handel and more.
Abel Selaocoe - Emmanuele (Official Video)
Enjoy the groove of Emmanuele, the first single from cellist, vocalist, and composer Abel Selaocoe’s upcoming album – Hymns of Bantu (February 2025).
In Abel's words: "Emmanuele comes from a South African Hymn of the same name - Emmanuel being the name for Jesus or God - and is dedicated to people who work with their hands. Often they can be dismissed, yet they make the world we are all a part of. The piece follows traditional Western four-part harmony but incorporates African rhythm, starting with a simple bassline and growing into something that makes you dance."
Manchester Collective (Reduced Strings)
Abel Selaocoe (vocal, cello, percussion)
Fred Thomas (piano, percussion)
Alan Keary (electric bass)
Sidiki Dembele (percussion)
Dudù Kouate (percussion)
Listen on Spotify: https://abelselaocoe.lnk.to/playlistID
Follow Abel for updates:
YouTube: www.youtube.com/@UCjQJvvG1cwFjjmJZ7MAu3Qg
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Newsletter: https://www.abelselaocoe.com
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Warner Classics is the home of classical music, featuring iconic high audio quality recordings from the greatest classical legends, opera stars and orchestras of the last century.
Discover our unique collection of live performances, studio sessions and films featuring Maria Callas, Jacqueline du Pré, Nigel Kennedy, Mstislav Rostropovich, Yehudi Menuhin, Itzhak Perlman, Herbert von Karajan, Berliner Philharmoniker and more.
Along with its sister label Erato, Warner Classics continues this tradition with today's most in-demand classical artists, such as Philippe Jaroussky, Joyce DiDonato, Diana Damrau, Emmanuel Pahud, Alexandre Tharaud, Sir Antonio Pappano, Christina Pluhar and Renaud Capuçon.
Enjoy this ever-expanding library of official performance videos and exclusive interviews from the classical greats. Check back regularly for more music from your favourite composers including Bach, Mozart, Chopin, Debussy, Satie, Beethoven, Vivaldi, Handel and more.
Abel Selaocoe performs Ka Bohaleng / On the Sharp Side (live at the OPUS KLASSIK 2023 Gala)
The multitalented South African musician Abel Selaocoe performs "Ka Bohaleng / On the Sharp Side", live at the Konzerthaus Berlin.
Discover his studio recording on his debut album, Where Is Home (Hae Ke Kae): https://w.lnk.to/wihLY
Orchestra: Konzerthausorchester Berlin
Conductor: Joana Mallwitz
Filmed at the OPUS KLASSIK gala on the 8th of October 2023 in Berlin.
Excerpt from https://www.zdf.de/kultur/opus-klassik/opus-klassik-2023-100.html
Filmed by https://www.zdf.de
Abel Selaocoe performs "Voices of Bantu"
"Voices of Bantu" showcases Abel Selaocoe's multifaceted talent on cello, voice, and improvisation: its opening draws from the melody of "Les Voix Humaines" by the baroque composer Marin Marais, before it evolves into something entirely new. Listen here on streaming platforms: https://w.lnk.to/vbantuLY
#ClassicalMusic #Improvisation
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Warner Classics is the home of classical music, featuring iconic high audio quality recordings from the greatest classical legends, opera stars and orchestras of the last century.
Discover our unique collection of live performances, studio sessions and films featuring Maria Callas, Jacqueline du Pré, Nigel Kennedy, Mstislav Rostropovich, Yehudi Menuhin, Itzhak Perlman, Herbert von Karajan, Berliner Philharmoniker and more.
Along with its sister label Erato, Warner Classics continues this tradition with today's most in-demand classical artists, such as Philippe Jaroussky, Joyce DiDonato, Diana Damrau, Emmanuel Pahud, Alexandre Tharaud, Sir Antonio Pappano, Christina Pluhar and Renaud Capuçon.
Enjoy this ever-expanding library of official performance videos and exclusive interviews from the classical greats. Check back regularly for more music from your favourite composers including Bach, Mozart, Chopin, Debussy, Satie, Beethoven, Vivaldi, Handel and more.
Where Is Home (Hae Ke Kae) by Abel Selaocoe – African music meets the Baroque
In his debut album, the brilliant cellist, singer, and composer Abel Selaocoe showcases original compositions and improvisations inspired by his richly varied musical inspirations. Discover here: https://w.lnk.to/wihLY
"'Home' can mean so many things beyond the architectural or geographical space: it can be a spiritual place; it can be people; it can be solitude; it can be a routine. It can also be something you find along your travels. In all these senses of the word I’ve learned to find my different homes through the cello." – Abel Selaocoe
Video: Gallivant Films
Sound Producer: Fred Thomas
#ClassicalMusic #AfricanMusic #BaroqueMusic
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Warner Classics is the home of classical music, featuring iconic high audio quality recordings from the greatest classical legends, opera stars and orchestras of the last century.
Discover our unique collection of live performances, studio sessions and films featuring Maria Callas, Jacqueline du Pré, Nigel Kennedy, Mstislav Rostropovich, Yehudi Menuhin, Itzhak Perlman, Herbert von Karajan, Berliner Philharmoniker and more.
Along with its sister label Erato, Warner Classics continues this tradition with today's most in-demand classical artists, such as Philippe Jaroussky, Joyce DiDonato, Diana Damrau, Emmanuel Pahud, Alexandre Tharaud, Sir Antonio Pappano, Christina Pluhar and Renaud Capuçon.
Enjoy this ever-expanding library of official performance videos and exclusive interviews from the classical greats. Check back regularly for more music from your favourite composers including Bach, Mozart, Chopin, Debussy, Satie, Beethoven, Vivaldi, Handel and more.
Abel Selaocoe plays Zawose (for Hukwe Zawose)
Abel Selaocoe pays tribute to one of Tanzania’s legendary traditional musicians, Hukwe Zawose, in a song inspired by the country's vibrant musical traditions and rhythms. Discover this and more on his debut album, Where Is Home (Hae Ke Kae): https://w.lnk.to/wihLY
"This song is named for one of Tanzania’s legendary traditional musicians, Hukwe Zawose. I discovered him while searching for these connections and came across a beautiful song of his called Mateso. Its title, which means 'suffering', is a reference to the tribulation of South Africans in the time of apartheid, and I wanted to respond to this song with one of my own, to say 'thank you for the love, for the kindness and for the empathy'. Tanzanian music features a high-pitched stick zither, an instrument with a single beaten string, called the zeze, and I decided I’d try and translate its musical language and its rhythmic groove to the cello." – Abel Selaocoe
Video: Gallivant Films
Sound Producer: Fred Thomas
#ClassicalMusic #AfricanMusic
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Warner Classics is the home of classical music, featuring iconic high audio quality recordings from the greatest classical legends, opera stars and orchestras of the last century.
Discover our unique collection of live performances, studio sessions and films featuring Maria Callas, Jacqueline du Pré, Nigel Kennedy, Mstislav Rostropovich, Yehudi Menuhin, Itzhak Perlman, Herbert von Karajan, Berliner Philharmoniker and more.
Along with its sister label Erato, Warner Classics continues this tradition with today's most in-demand classical artists, such as Philippe Jaroussky, Joyce DiDonato, Diana Damrau, Emmanuel Pahud, Alexandre Tharaud, Sir Antonio Pappano, Christina Pluhar and Renaud Capuçon.
Enjoy this ever-expanding library of official performance videos and exclusive interviews from the classical greats. Check back regularly for more music from your favourite composers including Bach, Mozart, Chopin, Debussy, Satie, Beethoven, Vivaldi, Handel and more.
Abel Selaocoe plays Platti: Cello Sonata No. 7 in D Major, I. 84: I. Adagio
Among the baroque influences Abel Selaocoe draws from in his debut album is the Adagio from Platti's Cello Sonata No. 7 (also known as the Sonata No. 1). Listen to his unique rendition and reimagination of this melody and more on his debut album: https://w.lnk.to/wihLY
"The Baroque music I studied as a young musician and my inherited South African musical culture have more in common that you might expect. ... Platti is a wonderful composer I thought would work well in this marriage of Baroque and African music. This cello sonata has a freedom to it, an improvisatory quality that suits my way of playing within my native South African music or in rhythmic music in general. I’ve interpolated improvisations between the four movements of this sonata, featuring the theorbo, an improvising instrument in its native Baroque continuo tradition, and the kora, used for improvised music by the bards of the West African oral history tradition. Together we improvise our way through this wonderful sonata, finding common strands between this African music, Baroque music and the practice of improvisation." – Abel Selaocoe
Video: Gallivant Films
Sound Producer: Fred Thomas
#ClassicalMusic #AfricanMusic #BaroqueMusic
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Warner Classics is the home of classical music, featuring iconic high audio quality recordings from the greatest classical legends, opera stars and orchestras of the last century.
Discover our unique collection of live performances, studio sessions and films featuring Maria Callas, Jacqueline du Pré, Nigel Kennedy, Mstislav Rostropovich, Yehudi Menuhin, Itzhak Perlman, Herbert von Karajan, Berliner Philharmoniker and more.
Along with its sister label Erato, Warner Classics continues this tradition with today's most in-demand classical artists, such as Philippe Jaroussky, Joyce DiDonato, Diana Damrau, Emmanuel Pahud, Alexandre Tharaud, Sir Antonio Pappano, Christina Pluhar and Renaud Capuçon.
Enjoy this ever-expanding library of official performance videos and exclusive interviews from the classical greats. Check back regularly for more music from your favourite composers including Bach, Mozart, Chopin, Debussy, Satie, Beethoven, Vivaldi, Handel and more.