Pepe Kalle
Pepe Kalle (born: Kabasele Yampanya) was musically and physically huge. Blessed with a multi-octave vocal range and a dynamic stage presence, the six foot three inch, three hundred pound, vocalist recorded more than three hundred songs and twenty albums during his two decade-long career. Known affectionately as "the elephant of African music" and "La Bombe Atomique", Kalle thrilled audiences with his robust performances.
Learning to sing in a church choir, Kalle was mentored by Joseph Kabasele, "Le Grand Kalle", in whose home he lived and worked in exchange for music and vocal training. Making his professional debut as a member of Kabasele's band, African Jazz, Kalle formed his own band, Bella Bella, with singer Nybomba, later of Sam Magwana's African All Stars, in the 1970s. His greatest work, however, came during the 1980s when he formed and performed with Empire Bakumba.
A true showman, Kalle's concerts are remembered for his playful exchanges with a dwarf, Emauro. While he primarily worked with his own band, Kalle collaborated with Zaiko Langa Langa and members of OK Jazz.
© Craig Harris /TiVo
Similar artists
-
-
-
Gardez Votre Souffle
Wereldmuziek - Released by Village Records on 13 jan. 1998
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
-
Pon Moun Paka Bougé (Afro-Rythmes présente)
Wereldmuziek - Released by Afro Rythmes on 1 jan. 2007
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Les étoiles du Zaïre: Hommage à Emoro
Pepe Kalle, Nyboma, Bopol Mansiamina
Afrika - Released by Syllart on 1 okt. 1999
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
-
L'argent ne fait pas le bonheur
Wereldmuziek - Released by Le Monde des Artistes on 24 nov. 1994
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Merci Maman
Afrika - Released by Air B.Mas Production on 3 mei 2010
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Liya liya faina
Afrika - Released by Les Editions Simon Lowe on 1 jan. 1990
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Gérant
Wereldmuziek - Released by samassa records on 5 dec. 2022
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Stop feu rouge - voisin
Nyboma, Madilu, Pepe Kalle, Simaro
Afrika - Released by Glenn Music on 21 sep. 1991
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Divisé par deux
Afrika - Released by Glenn Music on 12 feb. 1992
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Johnny (Bitoto) kabasele yampanya
Afrika - Released by Ngoyarto on 1 jan. 1985
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Cé Chalè Carnaval (Afro-Rythmes présente)
Wereldmuziek - Released by Afro Rythmes on 1 jan. 1998
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Atinzi Muana Popi
Wereldmuziek - Released by Sonodisc on 1 jan. 1993
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Kanda Ya Nini?
Jazz - Released by Tamasha Corporation Limited on 11 sep. 2010
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Gerant
Electronic - Released by Mangassi Mohamed - Keyzit on 9 mei 2022
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Trahison Hadas - Le Plus Grands Succès De L'orchestre Empire Bakuba Et Pépé Kallé Kabasele Yampanya
Afrika - Released by Ngoyarto on 10 nov. 2014
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Divisé par deux
Wereldmuziek - Released by Jimmy's Production on 1 jan. 1992
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo