The most moving pieces of art are birthed within struggle. In terms of music there are countless clear examples of this. Sam Cooke’s “A Change is Gonna Come”, an American civil rights movement anthem, is a song that immediately comes to mind. Bob Marley’s “Concrete Jungle”, a hauntingly gorgeous reflection on the hardships of impoverished Kingston, is another example. The historical and current hardships of the Democratic Republic of Congo are well documented. The sublime, influential music that has come from this country is rarely mentioned when the DRC is discussed in the US. Congolese music is colorful, vibrant and a true bright spot in the country. Le Grand Kalle, aka Joseph Athanase Tchamala Kabaselleh, is synonymous with the birth of contemporary Congolese music. His blend of traditional Congolese music with Latino dance music birthed a genre and influenced music throughout the world. Fally Ipupa is a present day superstar in the DRC. He has performed all over the world and has achieved true legend status.
You can’t begin to talk about modern day music in the DRC without talking about Le Grande Kalle. He was born in Belgian ruled Congo in 1930. As Kalle grew as a musician he was dissatisfied with the music that was being made in Congo at the time. He viewed the music as unprogressive and sought to give the country’s music scene new life. He was inspired by Cuban Rhumba, which has roots in Congolese slaves on the island. Given these roots, Cuban Rhumba blended beautifully with traditional music from Congo. Le Grand Kalle formed the big band group Le Grand Kallé et l’African Jazz in 1953. The group’s popularity was unparalleled and their stylishly vibrant jazz became popular throughout Africa. Some of the bands most important work was produced during the struggle for independence in Congo. Le Grand Kalle performed at “The Round Table Talks for Congolese Independence” in Brussels in 1960. The song “Indépendance Cha Cha” is possibly Le Grand Kalle’s most famous song. It blends a strong political message with the optimism present in smooth dance music.
Fally Ipupa is currently dominating the music scene in the DRC. His music is reflective of the dance music that Le Grand Kalle made popular in the 60’s. Ipupu has made incredibly popular music since beginning his solo career in 2006. He has become famous for his addictively catchy dance hits, but he is more than just a hit maker. He’s got the chops on guitar to show his musicianship transcends pop music. He also possesses immense skill as a performer. The hip shaking musician has sold out venues throughout the DRC, Africa, and the world; performing sold out shows in New York and Paris. Ipupa’s pop culture status goes beyond music. In the DRC his status as a sex symbol was cemented when he was named on a list of the sexiest men in the DRC. He has won several awards for his music at the African MTV VMA’s. In August of 2014 Ipupa performed at the US-Afria Summit in Washington DC.
There are many parallels between Ipupa and Le Grand Kalle. Both have been extremely important to music in the Democratic Republic of Congo as well as the country itself. Both have performed at international political gatherings and gained international popularity. Most importantly both artists have remained bright spots within a country that has had many struggles. They remind us of the beauty of the DRC and its people.
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