Joseph Kabasele

Joseph Kabasele Tshamala
Born	1930-12-16 Matadi, Belgian Congo
Died	1983-02-11
Instruments	Vocals
Roles	Bandleader, Singer, Composer
Groups	African Jazz

Joseph Kabasele Tshamala (16 December 1930 – 11 February 1983), known as Le Grand Kallé, is often called the father of modern Congolese music. In 1953 he founded African Jazz, the first professional Congolese orchestra, and in 1960 he wrote and recorded "Indépendance Cha Cha", which became a pan-African anthem of independence. He mentored many of the musicians who would go on to define the genre.