Abel Selaocoe

Abel Selaocoe (born 5 March 1992) is a cellist, singer, composer and improviser from South Africa.

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 Matlhaela Michael Masote, one of South Africa’s most influential classical musicians. He completed his International Artist Diploma in 2018.

In 2016, Selaocoe formed trio Chesaba, and in 2022 formed the Bantu Ensemble.

In 2021 Selaocoe signed to Warner Classics record label.

On 23 September 2022 Selaocoe released his debut album Where is Home (Hae Ke Kae).

Selaocoe is an Artistic Partner of The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, Artist in Association with the BBC Singers and Artist in Residence with Kölner Philharmonie. His music combines different genres including classical suite, township rhythms and ancestral anthems. His tracks include translations in African languages including Sotho and Zulu.

Collaborations

Manchester Collective Britten Sinfonia Artistic Partner of The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra Artist in Association with the BBC Singers Artist in Residence with Kölner Philharmonie

Discography Where Is Home (Hae Ke Kae) (2022) Hymns of Bantu (2025) Four Spirits (2025)