With a multi-octave vocal range and a dynamic stage presence, the 190 cm (6 feet 3 inches) and 136 kg (300 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 entertained audiences with his robust performances.
His musical career started with African Jazz, the band of Grand Kalle. He later become the lead singer of Lipua Lipua, where he sung alongside Nyboma Mwandido. In 1972, Kalle along with Dilu Dilumona and Papy Tex, left Lipua Lipua to form their own band named Empire Bakuba. Empire Bakuba took its name from a Congolese warrior tribe, and it pointedly incorporated rootsy rhythms from the interior, sounds that had long been sidelined by popular rumba. The band was an instant hit, and together with Zaiko Langa Langa they became Kinshasa's most popular youth band. With hits such as Pepe Kalle's Dadou and Papy Tex's Sango ya mawa, the band was a constant fixture on the charts. They also created a new dance, the kwassa kwassa.
On their tenth anniversary in 1982, the band was voted Zaire's top group. Throughout the early 1980s, Empire Bakuba continued to tour extensively while releasing no less than four albums a year. By the mid eighties, they had a large following throughout Francophone Central and West Africa. His 1986 collaboration with Nyboma labelled Zouke zouke was one of the years top selling albums. But it was his second collaboration with Nyboma, Moyibi (1988), which launched his popularity throughout Africa.
In the late 1980s and early 1990s, Kalle fused elements of the fast paced version of soukous produced in Paris studios. His 1990 album, Roger Milla, a tribute to the exploits of the great Camerounian footballer, is a classic example of this arrangement.
In 1992 the band faced its first major calamity when Emoro, the band's dancing dwarf, died while on tour in Botswana. Despite this setback, Pepe Kalle's popularity continued to soar in the nineties as he released albums like Gigantafrique, Larger than life and Cocktail. He also collaborated with other legends like Lutumba Simaro and Nyoka Longo.
Pepe Kalle died of a heart attack in November 1998.
Hommage Pepe Kalle
Empire Bakuba Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Bayebi singai otiki kimi maleboo natobola loboko
Pona fongola elambai napesi mwasi na bana oh mbote.
Kimi natiki Mana kanda na kokendee kotala bandeko natikai mwakala.
Nakei pilipili libendee mbanda ngai na kokende.
Monano hoyo ya bakuba eh itebe konana biso sena kopo alasante tobengi
Lwenzisekii. Mobembo ya bakuba mwana mpire yozelakaka
Nakoya kolito yebuya ngai yee ngai yee Cherie yeeh
The lyrics to Empire Bakuba's song Hommage Pepe Kalle are a tribute to the late Congolese musician Pepe Kalle. The first verse talks about how the singer dreams of Pepe Kalle and how he misses him. He tells his fellow band members that they also know the pain of losing someone so special. The singer then goes on to say that he wishes to see Pepe Kalle one more time to ask for his blessings.
The second verse talks about how the singer wants to go home to his family and loved ones. He says that he will bring gifts for his wife and kids, and he hopes that they will be happy to see him. The singer then changes his focus back to Pepe Kalle and talks about how he will always cherish the memories of him. He mentions how he will never forget the times they spent together, and how Pepe Kalle's spirit will always be with him.
Overall, the lyrics of Hommage Pepe Kalle are full of emotions and show the love and respect the singer has for Pepe Kalle. The song is a fitting tribute to a man who was not only a great musician but also a kind and caring person.
Line by Line Meaning
Namoni lokola ndoto masua natiki libongoo natuni pe bandeko bangai
Like a dream come true, I have achieved success and I am grateful to my fans and supporters.
Bayebi singai otiki kimi maleboo natobola loboko
They know my name and my music, I am recognized and celebrated by the masses.
Pona fongola elambai napesi mwasi na bana oh mbote.
To enjoy life and have a good time, I am sharing my success with women and children in my community.
Kimi natiki Mana kanda na kokendee kotala bandeko natikai mwakala.
My talent is a gift from God, and I will continue to use it to bring joy to my fans and supporters.
Nakei pilipili libendee mbanda ngai na kokende.
I am hot like chili pepper, and I am always on the move.
Monano hoyo ya bakuba eh itebe konana biso sena kopo alasante tobengi
The sound of the Bakuba band brings us together and lifts our spirits, creating a joyful and celebratory atmosphere.
Lwenzisekii. Mobembo ya bakuba mwana mpire yozelakaka
Listen to the rhythm. Bakuba's music is powerful and will make you dance.
Nakoya kolito yebuya ngai yee ngai yee Cherie yeeh
I am bringing my style and energy, and my love for my fans is strong like sugar.
Contributed by Matthew R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.