Abel Selaocoe: Power Up Music Creator
Abel Selaocoe
Classical
Abel Selaocoe began his studies through an outreach program in the township of Soweto where lines of genre and style were blurred between African music, jazz and classical music. He went on to complete 4 degrees including Masters In performance at Royal Northern College of `Music. Bringing his original blend of African rhythm, Throat singing and cello playing to venues such as Royal Festival Hall, Kings Place, Bridgewater Hall and Royal Albert Hall at the BBC Proms.
Collaboration is at the heart of his process, working with Art Ensemble of Chicago, Norma Winstone(jazz singer) and BBC Concert Orchestra. Constantly finding a way to speak different dialects between different genres, he is a keen programmer. Sculpting the shape of the concert through finding threads between classical repertoire and an array of world musics, a great example being his show “Sirocco” in Collaboration with his African trio Chesaba and Manchester Collective.
Abel is an advocate of music being inlclusive for all. working with organisations working in the community such as Live Music Now (bringing music to disabled schools) and Multi Story Orchestra. He has been a guest host on BBC Radio 3, BBC Radio 4, Jazz FM and Scala Radio. Speaking passionately about accessibility of classical music and dissolving genres through a different approach to listening through his performing experiences and programming compelling mix of music playlists.
“It’s a great privilege being a part of POWER UP network, an inspiring environment to cultivate my ideas with highly creative people while sculpting a better future for black creators.” Abel Selaocoe