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
-
Nalilia Faina
World - Released by Tamasha Corporation Limited on 2 Nov 2018
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Kanda Ya Nini?
World - Released by Tamasha Corporation Limited on 11 Sep 2010
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Nalilia Faina
Jazz - Released by Tamasha Corporation Limited on 2 Nov 2018
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Soucis Ya Likinga
Africa - Released by Flash Diffusion Business on 1 Jan 1986
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
L'argent Ne Fait Pas Le Bonheur
Africa - Released by Editions Kaluila on 1 Jan 1988
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Verckys Présente L'empire Bakuba
Africa - Released by Editions Veve International on 1 Jan 1982
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Merci maman (Tshakou songi songi)
World - Released by Centre Culturel Gilles Sala on 21 Mar 2016
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Loin des yeux (Dieu seul sait)
World - Released by Le Monde des Artistes on 1 Jan 1996
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Souci Ya Likinga
World - Released by Le Monde des Artistes on 8 Nov 1983
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Atinze Muana Popi (Le phénoménal)
World - Released by Sonodisc on 9 Nov 2017
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Atinze mwana popi
World - Released by Jimmy's Production on 1 Jan 1993
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Kabambare (Empire Bakuba)
World - Released by DMS on 10 Nov 1978
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo