Joseph Kabasele Tshamala (1930 Matadi, DRC (then known as the Belgian Congo) - 11 February 1983 Paris, France), popularly known as Le Grand Kalle, was a Congolese singer and bandleader, considered the father of modern Congolese music. He began his career by founding the seminal African 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.[1]
In 1960, he established his own label, Surboum African Jazz, which was home to Franco Luambo's TPOK 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.[1]