Abel Selaocoe: Hymns of Bantu

South African cellist Abel Selaocoe is redefining the parameters of the cello. He moves seamlessly across genres and styles and combines virtuosic performance with improvisation, singing and body percussion.

This one-off show in the East End’s iconic art deco cinema-turned live performance venue Troxy features the launch of Abel’s second album, Hymns of Bantu. Following his acclaimed release Where Is Home (Hae ke Kae) in 2022, Hymns of Bantu delves into the unique modal scales and overtone harmonic systems of South African music before Western four-part harmony was introduced and how cultural histories evolve.

Featuring his own Bantu Ensemble with African percussion as well as orchestra, solo cello and electric bass, Abel will interpret traditional Bantu music alongside compositions by Bach and Marais, highlighting the synergies between musical legacies rather than their differences.

“Hymns of Bantu is about celebrating those that have come before us, and how we are all connected. 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.”