Abel Selaocoe with Bantu Ensemble

Moving effortlessly between the most divergent genres, Abel Selaocoe is regarded as one of the most captivating performers on the world stage today. His performances are electric: rooted in tradition yet fuelled by fearless innovation.

Returning to the RNCM with his Manchester-formed Bantu Ensemble, Abel ignites the stage with a genre-defying fusion of virtuosic cello, soaring vocals, and improvisation. Together, they blur boundaries between African heritage and Western classical music and create something entirely their own. Joining them in this performance are players from the RNCM String Quartet Studio.

Across the 12 tracks on the group’s latest album, Hymns of Bantu, 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.’

Abel is both an alumnus and Honorary Associate Artist of the RNCM, and we’re delighted to welcome him back as part of our Inspirational Artists series, generously supported by The Haworth Trust.