Le Grand Kallé

Joseph Athanase Tshamala Kabasele (16 December 1930 in Matadi, Belgian Congo (now Democratic Republic of the Congo) – 11 February 1983 in Paris, France), popularly known as Le Grand Kallé, was a Congolese singer and bandleader, considered the father of modern Congolese music. He is best known for his role as leader of the band, Le Grand Kallé et l'African Jazz, in which capacity he was involved in a number of noted songs, including Indépendance Cha Cha.

Joseph Tshamala Kabasele
Le Grand Kallé
Promotional photo of Kabasele for the Opika record label in the early 1950s
Background information
Birth nameJoseph Athanase Tchamala Kabasele
Born(1930-12-16)16 December 1930[1]
Matadi, Belgian Congo
Died11 February 1983(1983-02-11) (aged 52)
Paris, France
GenresAfrican Rumba
Years active1953–1983
LabelsSurboum African Jazz

Background

Le Grand Kallé was born Joseph Athanase Tchamala Kabasele in Matadi, Bas-Congo in what was then the Belgian Congo, modern Democratic Republic of Congo. He came from a prominent Congolese family, which included Cardinal Joseph Malula[2] Kallé went to secondary school and became a typist at a succession of commercial firms in the capital of the Belgian Congo, Léopoldville.

Career

In the early 1950s at a new recording studio called Opika he received an opportunity to pursue a career in music.[2] His first group was OTC, led by George Doula.[1]

In 1953, disillusioned with the lack of modernisation at OTC, he formed l'African Jazz, which some consider to be the most important Congolese band.[1] L'African Jazz was one of the most popular early African Rumba bands. At its height, L'African Jazz included big names like guitarist Dr Nico Kasanda, saxophonist Manu Dibango and singers Tabu Ley Rochereau, Sam Mangwana and Pepe Kalle.[3]

In 1960, he established his own label, Subourboum Jazz, which was home to Franco Luambo's TPOK Jazz. Grand Kallé was responsible for striking deals with European record labels to ensure high quality recordings of his band's music for the Francophone market.[3]

In the mid-1960s, Kallé suffered his first major setback when two of his protegés (Tabu Ley Rochereau and Dr Nico Kasanda) left to form their own group called Africa Fiesta.[1] Kallé never recovered from this setback,[1] concentrating on nurturing the talent of singer Pépé Kallé.

Political influence

As a prominent figure in the Belgian Congo, Kallé was chosen as a member of the Congolese delegation at the "Round Table Conference" on Congolese independence in 1960.[1] He composed several songs on a political themes, notably "Indépendance Cha Cha" and "Table Ronde".

Death

Le Grande Kallé died in a hospital in Paris, France, on 11 February 1983. He was buried in Gombe Cemetery in Kinshasa.

Musical influence

Kabasele was one of the great African singers of the twentieth century.[2] He was the first musician to mix Cuban rhythms with a traditional African beat to create what is now known as Soukous. He was also the first African musician to create his own record label. He has been referred to as the "Father of Congolese Music."[2]

Discography
Albums, including compilations
  • Merveilles Du Passé – Hommage Au Grand Kalle Vol. 2 (1984, African)
  • Essous / Kwamy / Mujos / Edo / Casino (1993, Sonodisc)
  • 1966 – 1967 (1993, Grand Kalle/Syllart)
  • Grand Kallé et African Team, Vol. 1 (1993, Grand Kalle/Syllart)
  • Grand Kalle et l'African Jazz 1961–1962 (Merveilles du passé, vol. 2) (1993, Sonodisc)
  • Grand Kalle & L'African Team (1997, Sonodisc)
  • Le Grand Kalle (2013, Le Monde des Artistes)
  • Jolie Nana (2013, Marylebone Records)
  • Joseph Kabasele, Le Grand Kalle: His Life, His Music (2013, Sterns Africa)
  • The History Of Le Grand Kallé, Vol. 1 (2013, Diamond Days)
  • The History Of Le Grand Kallé, Vol. 2 (2013, Diamond Days)
  • The History Of Le Grand Kallé, Vol. 3 (2013, Diamond Days)
  • The History Of Le Grand Kallé, Vol. 4 (2013, Diamond Days)
  • The History Of Le Grand Kallé, Vol. 5 (2013, Diamond Days)
  • Butsana Mama: Le Grand Kallé & His Songs, Vol. 1 (2013, Supreme Media)
  • Butsana Mama: Le Grand Kallé & His Songs, Vol. 2 (2013, Supreme Media)
  • Butsana Mama: Le Grand Kallé & His Songs, Vol. 3 (2013, Supreme Media)
  • Butsana Mama: Le Grand Kallé & His Songs, Vol. 4 (2013, Supreme Media)
  • Butsana Mama: Le Grand Kallé & His Songs, Vol. 5 (2013, Supreme Media)
Contributing artist
As leader of Le Grand Kallé et l'African Jazz

(see that page)

References
  1. "Grand Kalle: The founder of modern Congolese music". Kenya Page. Retrieved 14 March 2013.
  2. Stewart, Gary. "Kabasele, Joseph". Rumba on the River – Web Home of the Book. Retrieved 15 September 2019.
  3. "Grand Kalle – Music Artist Band Bio". Encyclopedia of Popular Music. Music.us. Archived from the original on 12 May 2013. Retrieved 14 March 2013.

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