Grand Kalle
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Joseph Kabasele Tshamala (1930 Matadi, DRC - 11 February 1983 Paris, France), popularly known as Le Grand Kalle (the Grand Kalle), Congolese singer and bandleader, considered the father of modern Congolese music. He began his career by founding the seminal rumba band Grand Kalle & l'African Jazz, the most popular early band on the scene, whose personnel at various times included guitarist Dr Nico Kasanda, saxophonist Manu Dibango and singers Tabu Ley Rochereau and Pepe Kalle.
In 1960, he established his own label, Surboum African Jazz, which was home to Franco Luambos OK Jazz. Grand Kalle was responsible for striking deals with European record labels to ensure high quality recordings of his bands' music throughout the Francophone market.
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