Hymns of Bantu

Abel Selaocoe 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.