Cellist Abel Selaocoe: Classical Music with an African Beat | Portrait

He is a creative, multi-talented super star: Abel Selaocoe. The South African musician is completely redefining what it means to play his primary instrument: the cello. Born in a township, but now living in Manchester, England, Selaocoe has worked his way up to become an acclaimed soloist. He works with beatboxers as well as classical orchestras, moving seamlessly between a variety of musical genres and styles. His virtuoso performances include improvisation, singing, and body percussion. It’s such a unique style that even star cellist Yo-Yo Ma was impressed, and together, they recorded South Africa's national anthem.

Selaocoe is more than a cellist; he’s also a composer, combining traditional African music with classical elements to create his own powerful, dynamic style. In this video, DW accompanies the exceptional musician in London, where he rehearses his latest compositions with the Chineke! Orchestra. It’s a challenge, because Selaocoe's music is not easy to transcribe onto sheet music. Luckily, he is an excellent teacher, and the orchestra appears to get into the rhythm of these unique pieces almost effortlessly.

At a glance:
(00:00) Abel Selaocoe and the Chineke! Orchestra bring the beat to the concert hall
(00:26) Abel on the cello’s sound in the wata style
(01:05) Rehearsal meeting with the Chineke! Orchestra in London
(01:17) Abel explains the meaning of his Qhawe composition
(01:52) Abel’s thoughts on how classical music can survive
(02:26) Abel singing in several South African languages
(02:39) Abel's cello career began with a broomstick
(03:00) Abel grew up surrounded by creativity
(03:18) How Abel conducts rehearsals with the Chineke! Orchestra
(03:58) Chi-chi Nwanoku, founder of the Chineke! Orchestra talking about Abel Selaocoe
(04:19) Rehearsing the beats in Abel's pieces
(04:41) What matters to Abel when making music

Report: Jana Oertel
Camera: Peter Thorn
Editing: Antje Lass

© 2023 DEUTSCHE WELLE

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