Le Grand Kallé
Joseph Tshamala Kabasele
Le Grand Kallé | |
|---|---|
Promotional photo of Kabasele for the Opika record label in the early 1950s | |
| Background information | |
| Birth name | Joseph Athanase Tchamala Kabasele |
| Born | 16 December 1930 Matadi, Belgian Congo (now Kongo Central) |
| Died | 11 February 1983 (aged 52) Paris, France |
| Genres | African rumba |
| Years active | 1953–1983 |
| Labels | Surboum African Jazz |
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.