Abel Selaocoe Hymns of Bantu Limited Vinyl LP
Overview:
Abel Selaocoe (pronounced Se-lau-chwe), the innovative South African cellist, composer and vocalist, announces the release of his second album, Hymns of Bantu on Warner Classics on 21st February 2025. Abel follows the acclaimed release of his 2022 debut Where Is Home (Hae ke Kae) with a remarkable new body of work celebrating his South African heritage, and tracing his ancestral path that leads into his vast influences including Western classical repertoire.
Delving into the unique modal scales and overtone harmonic systems of South African music before Western four-part harmony was introduced, Hymns of Bantu explores how cultural histories evolve. Across 12 tracks written for ensembles varying from African percussion to orchestra, solo cello and electric bass, Abel interprets traditional Bantu music alongside compositions by Bach and Marais, highlighting the continuity between 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.”
Ultimately Hymns of Bantu is an album aiming to highlight the shared universalities of people, the healing power of song, and allowing us to draw constant inspiration and understanding from those who came before us. With voice and cello as a vessel, Hymns of Bantu characterises a vast array of human beings and invites a freeing and deep listening.
Featured Tracks:
Side: 1
1. Tsohle Tsohle - Manchester Collective, Abel Selaocoe, Fred Thomas, Alan Keary, Sidiki Dembele, Dudu Kouate
2. Emmanuele - Manchester Collective, Abel Selaocoe, Fred Thomas, Alan Keary, Sidiki Dembele, Dudu Kouate
3. Kea Morata - Manchester Collective, Abel Selaocoe, Fred Thomas, Alan Keary, Sidiki Dembele, Dudu Kouate
4. Tshepo - I - Manchester Collective, Abel Selaocoe, Fred Thomas, Rakhi Singh, Alan Keary, Dudu Kouate
5. Tshepo - II (Rapela) - Manchester Collective, Abel Selaocoe, Fred Thomas, Rakhi Singh, Alan Keary, Dudu Kouate
6. Cello Suite No. 6 in D Major, BWV 1012: IV. Sarabande (Arr. Thomas for Cello & String Orchestra) - Abel Selaocoe, Manchester Collective
Side: 2
1. Dinaka - Abel Selaocoe, Dudu Kouate, Fred Thomas
2. Improv on Marin Marais' Pieces de viole, Livre II, Suite No 3 en re majeur "Les voix humaines" (Arr Selaocoe & Thomas for Vocal and Cello) - Abel Selaocoe
3. Takamba - Manchester Collective, Abel Selaocoe, Fred Thomas, Ruth Gibson, Alan Keary, Sidiki Dembele, Dudu Kouate
4. L.B. Files: Concerto - Abel Selaocoe, Manchester Collective
5. L.B. Files: Igiul - Abel Selaocoe, Manchester Collective
6. Camagu - Manchester Collective, Abel Selaocoe, Fred Thomas, Alan Keary, Sidiki Dembele, Dudu Kouate
Release Date: 23 September 2022
Format: LP Vinyl
Label: Warner Classics
£24.99
