Gabriel Abedi is a San Francisco–based composer and producer of Ghanaian heritage. In Fall 2025, he begins his Master of Music in Technology and Applied Composition at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music under a scholarship, continuing to develop his distinctive voice as an Afro-cinematic orchestral composer.
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 town’s wind band in Salò. By 13, he was already composing and arranging music, revealing the early depth of his creativity. After achieving recognition as a trombonist, he fully embraced composition, studying at Conservatorio F.A. Bonporti di Trento, in Italy, and winning multiple international awards.
A turning point came after his 2022 Bachelor of Music in Composition, when Gabriel moved to Ghana to study traditional music. Immersing himself in the sounds of Ghana’s diverse musical traditions, he merged these roots with his classical foundation, crafting a sound that is both deeply African and expansively cinematic. His work now fuses orchestral writing, Afrobeats energy, live West African instruments, and modern electronic textures into a singular cinematic sound.
Beyond the concert hall, Gabriel envisions his artistry in three interconnected paths: composing for cinema, developing live stage concepts that merge classical ensembles, African percussion and electronics, and producing other artists through his signature Afro-cinematic beat sound.
This multidimensional vision underlines his mission: uplifting the African continent through music that respects and revitalizes its traditions, narratives, and cultural heritage.
His Afro-cinematic style not only bridges diverse musical landscapes but also serves as a testament to the power of music as a global language, positioning him as a unique and rising voice in today’s musical landscape.
Gabriel Abedi stands as a vibrant example of how cultural roots and contemporary expression can coalesce into a unique and impactful artistic vision. Long bio available here.
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”