South African cellist and vocalist Abel Selaocoe recently delivered a captivating performance at NPR's Tiny Desk concert, showcasing his unique blend of global, jazz, and classical sounds. Selaocoe's journey to mastering the cello, from making a makeshift instrument out of paper to touring the world and collaborating with renowned artists like Yo-Yo Ma, reflects his deep-rooted musical passion.

Born in 1992 in Sebokeng, South Africa, Selaocoe's musical education began at a young age through a Saturday music program. After winning a scholarship to St. John's College in Johannesburg, he continued to hone his craft under influential teachers and eventually pursued further studies at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester. In 2021, Selaocoe signed with Warner Classics and released his debut album "Where is Home (Hae Ke Kae)" in 2022.

During his Tiny Desk performance, Selaocoe enchanted the audience with his fusion of classical cello and traditional South African vocals, incorporating elements like Xhosa throat singing and African language translations in his tracks. His music seamlessly weaves together classical suites, township rhythms, and ancestral anthems, showcasing his versatility and innovative approach to music-making.