Age, Biography and Wiki

Le Grand Kallé (Joseph Athanase Tchamala Kabasele) was born on 16 December, 1930 in Matadi, Belgian Congo (now Kongo Central), is a Congolese musician (1930–1983). Discover Le Grand Kallé's Biography, Age, Height, Physical Stats, Dating/Affairs, Family and career updates. Learn How rich is he in this year and how he spends money? Also learn how he earned most of networth at the age of 52 years old?

Popular As Joseph Athanase Tchamala Kabasele
Occupation N/A
Age 52 years old
Zodiac Sign Sagittarius
Born 16 December, 1930
Birthday 16 December
Birthplace Matadi, Belgian Congo (now Kongo Central)
Date of death February 11, 1983
Died Place Paris, France
Nationality Democratic Republic of the Congo

We recommend you to check the complete list of Famous People born on 16 December. He is a member of famous artist with the age 52 years old group.

Le Grand Kallé Height, Weight & Measurements

At 52 years old, Le Grand Kallé height not available right now. We will update Le Grand Kallé's Height, weight, Body Measurements, Eye Color, Hair Color, Shoe & Dress size soon as possible.

Physical Status
Height Not Available
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Dating & Relationship status

He is currently single. He is not dating anyone. We don't have much information about He's past relationship and any previous engaged. According to our Database, He has no children.

Family
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Le Grand Kallé Net Worth

His net worth has been growing significantly in 2023-2024. So, how much is Le Grand Kallé worth at the age of 52 years old? Le Grand Kallé’s income source is mostly from being a successful artist. He is from Democratic Republic of the Congo. We have estimated Le Grand Kallé's net worth, money, salary, income, and assets.

Net Worth in 2024 $1 Million - $5 Million
Salary in 2024 Under Review
Net Worth in 2023 Pending
Salary in 2023 Under Review
House Not Available
Cars Not Available
Source of Income artist

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Timeline

1930

Joseph Athanase Tshamala Kabasele (16 December 1930 in Matadi, Belgian Congo (now Democratic Republic of the Congo) – 11 February 1983 in Paris, France), popularly known as Le Grand Kallé, was a Congolese singer and bandleader, considered the father of modern Congolese music.

He is best known for his role as leader of the band, Le Grand Kallé et l'African Jazz, in which capacity he was involved in a number of noted songs, including Indépendance Cha Cha.

Joseph Athanase Tchamala Kabasele was born in Matadi, Bas-Congo in what was then the Belgian Congo, modern Democratic Republic of Congo.

He came from a prominent Congolese family, which included Cardinal Joseph Malula.

Kallé went to secondary school and became a typist at a succession of commercial firms in the capital of the Belgian Congo, Léopoldville.

1950

In the early 1950s, at a new recording studio called Opika, Kasabele received an opportunity to pursue a career in music.

He joined with two of the session guitarists at Opika records, Georges Doula and Albert Yamba-Yamba, to form a combo called Groupe Doula Georges.

1951

In 1951 Doula and his band starred in a publicity film for the radio station Voix de la Concorde, which operated under the call letters "OTC."

To capitalize on the notoriety gained from the film, the band chose to rename themselves OTC.

1953

In 1953, disillusioned with the lack of modernisation at OTC, he formed l'African Jazz, which some consider to be the most important Congolese band.

L'African Jazz was one of the most popular early African Rumba bands.

At its height, L'African Jazz included big names like guitarist Dr Nico Kasanda, saxophonist Manu Dibango and singers Tabu Ley Rochereau, Sam Mangwana and Pepe Kalle.

1960

In 1960, he established his own label, Subourboum Jazz, which was home to Franco Luambo's TPOK Jazz.

Grand Kallé was responsible for striking deals with European record labels to ensure high quality recordings of his band's music for the Francophone market.

In the mid-1960s, Kallé suffered his first major setback when two of his protégés (Tabu Ley Rochereau and Dr Nico Kasanda) left to form their own group called Africa Fiesta.

Kallé never recovered from this setback, concentrating on nurturing the talent of singer Pépé Kallé.

As a prominent figure in the Belgian Congo, Kallé was chosen as a member of the Congolese delegation at the "Round Table Conference" on Congolese independence in 1960.

He composed several songs on a political themes, notably "Indépendance Cha Cha" and "Table Ronde".

1983

Le Grand Kallé died in a hospital in Paris, France, on 11 February 1983.

He was buried in Gombe Cemetery in Kinshasa.

Kabasele was one of the great African singers of the twentieth century.

He was the first musician to mix Cuban rhythms with a traditional African beat to create what is now known as Soukous.

He was also the first African musician to create his own record label.

He has been referred to as the "Father of Congolese Music."

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