Gabriel Abedi is a San Francisco–based Afro-Cinematic Composer and Artist shaping a singular sound world rooted in African musical thought and contemporary orchestral language.
Born on May 13, 1999, in Italy to Ghanaian parents, Gabriel’s musical journey began at age 10 with the trombone, leading to performances with his hometown wind band in Salò. By 13, he was already composing and arranging, revealing an early and deep creative drive. After gaining recognition as a trombonist, he fully committed to composition, studying at the Conservatorio F. A. Bonporti di Trento and earning multiple international awards.
A pivotal moment in his artistic path came after completing his Bachelor of Music in Composition in 2022, when he relocated to Ghana for over a year to immerse himself in traditional music, rhythm, and ceremonial forms. Rather than reproducing tradition, Gabriel focused on understanding African concepts of time, repetition, form, and collective memory—principles that now organize his music at a structural level.
His work draws from African rhythmic systems, live percussion, voice, and ritual energy, merging them with orchestral writing, cinematic harmony, and modern production. The result is an Afro-cinematic orchestral sound that feels both ancient and forward-looking.
Gabriel is currently pursuing a Master of Music in Technology and Applied Composition, under a scholarship, at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, where he continues to develop his distinctive voice as an Afro-Cinematic Orchestral Composer.
He is presently working on his debut EP, set for release in June. The project introduces his sound world through ritualistic structures, reduced ensembles, and a strong focus on repetition as responsibility, marking the beginning of a long-term artistic vision dedicated to honoring African traditions while giving them new cinematic and contemporary expression.
Through his music, Gabriel seeks to uplift African cultural memory, spirituality, and musical intelligence—not as artifacts of the past, but as living systems capable of shaping the future..
AWARDS
2019: First and third Prize at the 6th edition of “Città di Albenga International Composition Competition”;
2020: First Prize at the “The Diversity Initiative's Call for Scores” – Brass Trio category;
2021: First Prize at the “Celebrate Diversity in String Music Call for Scores” – Violin and Piano category;
2021: First Prize at the "2021 Carlos Guastavino International Composition Competition";
2022: First Prize at the 1st edition of "Grazia Deledda International Composition Competition”.
COMMISSIONS
2023: ”Seperewa Kasa” commissioned by Ensemble Modern (Germany) for the Oluzayo Festival;
2023: “Ŋusẽ “ commissioned by Àkójọpọ̀ Music Foundation (USA/Nigeria) for the African Art Music Commissioning Project;
2023: “Kpanlogo Tales” commissioned by the Ghana National Symphony Orchestra for “A night of Classical & African Art Music at the National Theatre of Ghana”