Abel Selaocoe – Chords of Life

Abel Selaocoe, a South African cellist, singer, and composer, uniquely fuses classical music with African traditions, improvisation, and rhythm, creating a distinctive musical language. His concerts become shared experiences in which the audience and the artist equally become part of the music. The documentary "Chords of Life" follows his personal and artistic journey from Manchester to South Africa, highlighting his return to his roots as he premieres his first self-composed cello concerto at its inception site. Through interactions with family, peers, and young musicians, Selaocoe's life story unfolds—from the township of Sebokeng to prestigious concert stages. The film portrays an intimate portrait of an artist navigating between cultures, genres, and traditions, illustrating music's unifying power across diverse backgrounds and languages. It is a compelling narrative about identity, home, community, and creativity. Ultimately, the film showcases Selaocoe as an inspiring artist who reimagines classical music and fosters cultural dialogue.