Le Grand Kallé et l'African Jazz

Le Grand Kallé et l' African Jazz or shortly African Jazz was the most popular band in the 1950s in the Belgian Congo.

History

It was founded in 1953 in Kinshasa from several session musicians of the recording studio Opika. Presumably it was also the first professional full-time music group of the Congo. The term jazz was not wearing the orchestra because they played jazz music, but to show that the music was modern, cultured and entertaining. The group focused instead on Rumba, Samba and Cha -Cha -Cha in a distinctively Congolese style.

From 1955, published on the African Jazz music publishing " Esengo "

In the first "round table" from January 20 to February 20, 1960, was negotiated in which between Belgian and Congolese officials June 30, 1960 as the day of independence of the Congo, African Jazz was present as an entertainment band. During the conference, the song Independance Cha Cha, which deals with the joys of independence and became one of their biggest hits was.

In 1961 the band went on an extensive tour in Africa. They visited Ghana, Nigeria, Ivory Coast, Sierra Leone and Guinea, and exerted a significant influence on the local music scene.

Members

Tabu Ley Rochereau (2011)

  • Joseph Kabasele (founder and vocals; nickname " la Grand Kalle " )
  • Tino Baroza ( guitarist and composer )
  • Dechaud Mwamba (guitar, 1953-63 )
  • Tino Baroza (guitar)
  • Albert Taumani ( bass)
  • Joseph Mwena (bass, 1953-63 )
  • Baskis (percussion)
  • Antoine " Dépuissant " Kaya ( percussion, 1953-63 )
  • Isaac Musekiwa (saxophone, 1954 -? )
  • Roger Izeidi (vocals, maracas,? -1963 )
  • André Menga (saxophone)
  • Dominique " Willy " Kuntima (trumpet )
  • Tabu Ley Rochereau (vocals, 1959-63 )
  • Vicky Longomba (vocals, 1960)
  • Brazzos ( Bass, 1960)
  • Pierre " Petit Pierre " Yantula ( Congas, 1960)
  • Charles Hénault (Drum, 1960 -? )
  • Manu Dibango (saxophone, piano, 1961)
  • Joseph " Mujos " Mulamba (vocals,? -1963 )
  • Papa Noel (Guitar, 1963 -? )
  • Jean Bombenga (vocals, 1963 -? )
  • Mathieu Kouka (vocals, 1963 -? )
  • André " Damoiseau " Kambite (Guitar, 1963 -? )
  • Casimir "Casino" Mutshipule (Guitar, 1963 -? )

Songs

  • Jamis Kolonga ( Rumba, composed by Tino Baroza )
  • Kale Kato / Ngai Na Yo Se Liwa
  • Independance Cha Cha (1960 )
  • Okuka Lokole (1960, a tribute to Louis Armstrong )
  • Merengue scoubidou
Rumba (dance) Singing David Van Reybrouck
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