Hello everyone. We have a Pepe Kalle edition only. We will have two people under this great edition a great legend in Congolese Music. These men come from OK Jazz of Franco. I have found two people that I think would have given Pepe Kalle a great time. Second individual was one of the leaders of Grands Maquisards. He is known for his harmony singing with Wuta Mayi. He would form a close musical bond with Josky Kiambukuta and they would sing in some nzonzings and sing together until 1989. I would say that he is closer to the voice tone of Nyboma but more jolly.
I am speaking about Ntesa Dalienst. He was one of the best contributors to the OK Jazz band. He is known for singing about women as they are just as important as men and also having a jolly sound in a sad or a happy song. Think of the songs like Mouzi, Bina na ngai na respect and Dodo. His voice is more of a type to Nyboma. But Nyboma had a vibrato and Ntesa did not have that. But their voices were sort of crystal.
Ntesa and Pepe Kalle would have been a great duo. Why you ask? Ntesa was effective in singing with Madilu. Their harmony was on point. Since Madilu and Pepe Kalle have a similar voice style (except Madilu was more jolly than Pepe Kalle), Ntesa would have been stronger with Pepe Kalle. Ntesa and Pepe Kalle have loud voices and it would meld very well together.
In fact Ntesa appeared to be a big fan of Pepe Kalle. He mentioned him one time when discussing the song Non which Franco sang with Madilu from the album "Chez Fabrice a Bruxelles". I discussed somewhat about this great lp here. Franco (FABRICE 1983) Ntesa mentioned that Franco was very influenced by the voice of Pepe Kalle himself for the song. He also mentioned on how he wanted to really play the style of Pepe Kalle. Perhaps this could be the reason why Madilu made his version called Mayeno which had some preview on his song Pesa Position na yo. You can hear Pepe Kalle topic by Ntesa here
I have six songs that would have fitted Ntesa Dalienst and Pepe Kalle very well.
TANTINE BY NTESA DIALENST MOYIBI BY PEPE KALLE
NGANDA MA CAMPAGNE BY LOLA CHECAIN
MINDONDO ESILA BY NTESA DIALENST
TABU LIBONGO BY PEPE KALLE
AWELA AWELA BY FRANCO
These songs would fit the voices of Ntesa and Pepe Kalle because their voices are very strong and it would mesh very well. Best examples of the showcases of their strong voices would be Mindondo Esila and Tabu Libongo. With Ntesa song, Pepe Kalle would put more force in his voice in that song. With Pepe Kalle, Ntesa would sound much louder which would have made the song more complete if you ask me. Since their voices are loud and strong, they should have definitely sang together. They would make amazing harmonies and also make memorable lines together.
I know that Ntesa and Pepe Kalle would have had a great bond together since Ntesa was a big fan of Pepe Kalle and Pepe Kalle does have a soft side for OK Jazz and Afrisa. Also, I know that their duet songs would have been memorable and discussed by many music lovers. Finally, Ntesa would have went on detail on his collaboration with Pepe Kalle.
Would Ntesa and Pepe Kalle duet have been a memorable duo? If you ask me, it would be a definite yes.
This is end of the Pepe Kalle duet edition. We will go to Dilu Dilumona duet edition of two parts.
Hello everyone. We have a Pepe Kalle edition of dream duet special. We will have two people under this great edition a great legend in Congolese Music. These men come from OK Jazz of Franco. I have found two people that I think would have given Pepe Kalle a great time. First individual used to be part of the group Orchestre Saka Yonsa of Mbole Tambwe. He replaced Youlou Mabiala in OK Jazz. He is known for his harmony singing with Diatho Lukoki. He was very close with Josky Kiambukuta who he did many songs with during the late 1970s up until his death in the early 1990s. I would say that he is closer to the voice tone of Papy Tex but more aggressive.
I am speaking about Djo Mpoyi. He is one of the biggest members of OK Jazz. He is known for his romantic yet emotional singing in songs like Simaro's Kadima and Mandola. Djo Mpoyi is a ladies man and he knew how to touch the hearts of women. Very similar to Papy Tex who is also known for this as well.
That is the reason why Djo Mpoyi and Pepe Kalle would have been a great duo. Since Djo has the romantic side, Pepe Kalle can add his smooth voice to the song. Also on a sad song that Djo Mpoyi sang, I know with addition of Pepe Kalle's voice, it would touch lives of many people. I also know that Djo Mpoyi can sing low which allows Pepe Kalle to have his Tabu Ley moment. In other words, sing high as a second voice singer like Tabu Ley did on a regular basis.
Here are the songs that would have been perfect between Djo Mpoyi and Pepe Kalle
AIDEU LEYA BY PAPY TEX
TRAHISON BY PEPE KALLE
DADOU SECOND VERSION BY PEPE KALLE
ORIGINAL VERSION OF CHOC D'AMOUR BY PAPA NOEL
HOMMAGE A FRANCO BY SIMARO LUTUMBA MASIYA
MASSIKINI BY DJO MPOYI
These six songs would have been great selections for Djo Mpoyi singing with Pepe Kalle especially with the song Dadou which version was made in 1979. That version would have fitted the harmony between Djo Mpoyi and Pepe Kalle when they do the hymns. The hymns would show Djo's great strengths as a harmonist. Djo's hymns with Pepe would have made the harmony much stronger than I heard on the actual song. That is why Pepe Kalle would have been perfect with Djo Mpoyi. Djo Mpoyi would automatically follow Pepe's strong voice and know exactly how maintain his strong voice especially with hymns.
I know many OKJ and Empire fans would have been impressed with a harmony between Djo Mpoyi and Pepe Kalle. Also, the hymns would blow the fans away in my humble opinion.
This is first edition of Pepe Kalle dream duet edition.
Hello everyone. We have a Franco special duet edition only. We will have two people under this great edition of the biggest legend in Congolese Music. These men come from the Zaiko generation. I have found two people that I think would have given Franco a great time. Second individual came from Zaiko Langa Langa with now hands of Nyoka Longo. He is part of the Zaiko school Likingisme (Which I will do a post about in the near future) meaning a Likinga Redo photocopy. He is however more of a second voice type rather than first singing type. He was part of the Golden Zaiko meaning the mid and late 1980s. He lives in Canada and he does music in his own terms.
I am speaking about JP Buse. This man has a great voice. He sounds very similar to Likinga Redo but he is a second voice type as mentioned before. But since he could sing high, he had good harmonies with Nyoka Longo and also Lengi Lenga (a Nyoka Longo photocopy). If JP had sung with Franco, it would be something else. Franco did have a lot of love for Zaiko Langa Langa (but he loved Pepe Kalle much more). If there is one Zaiko personnel who could handle Franco's voice would have been JP Buse. JP is a Zaiko type that would have fitted well with the older folks. I mean Bokelo, Franco and Tabu Ley crowd.
I have a song that would have been perfect for Franco and JP Buse
IDA
This song would have fitted the voices of Franco and JP Buse. Why? Though I as mentioned, JP Buse sounds like Likinga but he can sing low effectively. JP's solo vocals would have been well done in the way Franco would have enjoyed it. Also JP's voice is much more softer and relaxed than the voice of Malage de Lugendo though it is a soft voice also. Also I know Franco's response would have something like "JP" or "JP Yemba" or "Tala JP". JP would hit Franco with his vocal singing in my humble opinion. It is a love song where it shows the dark side of it which JP is capable of singing in this style since he has a voice that can touch the hearts of women when they feel sad or they are heartbroken.
Like Likinga Redo, JP Buse is effectively of emotional singing and he knew how to do the chorus bringing the emotional effect that sometimes a song demands. This is why he would have been a perfect fit for someone like Franco in my humble opinion.
Franco and JP Buse would have been a great thing for Zaiko and OKJ fans alike. This concludes fully the dream duet editions of Franco. Now we go into Pepe Kalle dream duet special only. Two parts like Franco.
Hello everyone. We have a Franco special duet edition only. We will have two people under this great edition of the biggest legend in Congolese Music. These men come from the Zaiko generation. I have found two people that I think would have given Franco a great time. First individual came from Grand Zaiko of Pepe Felly who was a big Franco fan. He also went to sing with Choc Stars for some significant time before shining on his own. He has a similar voice to Pepe Kalle who he would sing with at one point before he would leave and form his own band.
I am speaking of General Defao. He is making new music and he is already promoting some new songs with some notable great individuals. Those who don't know, Defao was good with soukous songs as well as generiques. His generiques were on top during the late 1990s.
Defao and Franco would have been a good duo because Defao sounds similar to Pepe Kalle. Since Franco sang with Madilu who many say sound similar to Pepe Kalle, Franco would have better chemistry with a singer like Defao. Though Defao is second voice, he can sing high to some degree and he was very effective during the 1980s when he was with the Choc Stars. But also Defao can sing low very effectively which he did with Carlyto and Debaba. Franco would find more musical flexibility not only song style but singing wise as well. Like if Franco wanted a fast paced song, Defao would perfect to help Franco in the singing of this affair. Also Defao would have benefited of singing with Franco in a slow ballad song.
Two songs that would have benefited Defao and Franco.
Slow song is Bella Bella's song by Tonton Ricos MARCELUI
Fast song is Choc Stars' song by Monza Premier EVE
Why those two songs in fact. Because it would have shown the good emotional musical connection between Defao and Franco since they knew how to reach people's hearts. Marcelui would be where Franco can sing high but his own way as well as Defao showing his lower range. On the song Eve, Franco and Defao would have had a better harmony as well as Franco improving the song Eve. Monza was good but Franco would have made this song a bit better.
Defao and Franco would have been a entertaining duo in my opinion. This is the first part series of Franco in the dream duet edition.
Dream duet that I have been prepared to do. I should have done this years ago but I am ready to do it now anyway. I did four posts about these two men. Two editions in English and two other editions in French. These two are from different generations but managed to make their mark.
I am speaking of Franco and Pepe Kalle. I did posts about these men on whether Pepe Kalle should have joined OK Jazz or not with Franco.
Now I will say that Franco should have done duets with Pepe Kalle. If Franco was good with Madilu, imagine Pepe Kalle with Franco. I was not interested in talking about these men as a possible dream duet scenario. But after discussions of Franco and Madilu, I decided to speak on Franco and Pepe Kalle.
Franco and Pepe Kalle should have done an album together. Why? Because these two men would have made a great dynasty like they did with Tabu Ley who I will do two dream duet posts soon afterwards. Also their voices would be born for one another. Now I always believed that both of their voices were baritone. But there are Franco fans that say that Franco was actually Tenor. Now I think of it, they may be right. I guess is that Franco never sang tenor very often. It was actually kind of rare. Usually Franco sang baritone most of the time. When Franco harmonized with Kwamy, Ntesa, Madilu, Malage, Djo Mpoyi, Vicky Longomba, Michel Boyibanda, Lola Checain, and Youlou Mabiala, Franco usually sang baritone.
Franco and Pepe Kalle would be opposites attract. Franco's voice tends to be more wild and expressive while Pepe Kalle's voice tends to be more smooth and outgoing. Hence, this is why these men should have sung together. Both are emotional men which makes their duet more solid. Both are excellent storytellers and know to capture people's attention in general. In some songs, Franco can do more speaking while Pepe Kalle does his singing in the storytelling that they would do. In majority of the songs, we would hear harmonies between Franco and Pepe Kalle.
Since I believe Franco and Pepe Kalle should have done an album together. Who would be the musicians that would have assisted them in the great project.
Drums: Seskain Molenga
Guitar Bass: Flavien Makabi, Mpudi Decca and MP Cherie
Guitar Rhythm: Elvis Kunku, Lutumba Simaro, Maika Munan and Ya Makosso
Guitar Misolo: Franco and Papa Noel
Guitar Acoustic: Doris Ebuya, Gerry Dialungana and Lutumba Simaro
Guitar Solo: Diblo Dibala, Kinanga Boeing 737 and Michelino
Vocal Assistants: Djo Mpoyi, Ntesa, Papa Wemba, Soki Vangu, Kiese Diambu, Josky Kiambukuta, Nzaya Nzayadio, Likinga Redo and Nyoka Longo
It would have been like Franco and Tabu Ley's Lisanga ya Banganga but with a combination of OK Jazz, Bella Bella, Afrisa, Empire Bakuba and Zaiko together.
Here are the thirty six songs that I selected that would fit this large project.
1) Salima by Michelino Guitars: Michelino, Papa Noel, Gerry Dialungana, Elvis Kunku and Mp Cherie Lead Vocals: Franco and Pepe Kalle Choirs: Djo Mpoyi, Josky Kiambukuta and Kiese Diambu
2) Tres Impoli by Franco Guitars: Diblo Dibala, Franco, Lutumba Simaro, Maika Munan and Mpudi Decca Lead Vocal: Franco Choirs: Ntesa, Pepe Kalle and Soki Vangu
3) Tokoma Bacamrade by Franco Guitars: Michelino, Franco, Doris Ebuya, Ya Makosso and Mpudi Decca Lead Vocals: Franco and Pepe Kalle Choirs: Djo Mpoyi, Josky Kiambukuta and Nzaya Nzayadio
4) Nazoki by Seskain Molenga Guitars: Kinanga Boeing 737, Papa Noel, Doris Ebuya, Elvis Kunku and MP Cherie Lead Vocal: Pepe Kalle Choirs: Franco, Nyoka Longo and Papa Wemba
5) Nganda Ma Campagne by Lola Checain Guitars: Michelino, Franco, Lutumba Simaro, Maika Munan and Mpudi Decca Choirs: Franco and Pepe Kalle
6) Cedou by Lutumba Simaro Guitars: Michelino, Franco, Gerry Dialungana, Lutumba Simaro and Mpudi Decca Lead Vocals: Franco and Pepe Kalle Choirs: Josky Kiambukuta, Ntesa and Soki Vangu
7) Peuch de Sol by Franco Guitars: Diblo Dibala, Franco, Gerry Dialungana, Maika Munan and Mpudi Decca Lead Vocals: Franco and Pepe Kalle Choirs: Djo Mpoyi, Josky Kiambukuta and Nzaya Nzayadio
8) Bonne Annne by Pepe Kalle Guitars: Kinanga Boeing 737, Papa Noel, Doris Ebuya, Elvis Kunku and Mp Cherie Lead Vocals: Franco and Pepe Kalle Choirs: Likinga Redo, Ntesa and Nzaya Nzayadio
9) Mosala by Pepe Kalle Guitars: Kinanga Boeing 737, Papa Noel, Doris Ebuya, Elvis Kunku and Mp Cherie Lead Vocals: Franco and Pepe Kalle Choirs: Likinga Redo, Nyoka Longo and Papa Wemba
10) Non by Franco Guitars: Dibala Dibala, Papa Noel, Gerry Dialungana, Lutumba Simaro and Mpudi Decca Lead Vocals: Franco and Pepe Kalle
11) Bitota by Doris Ebuya Guitars: Michelino, Papa Noel, Doris Ebuya, Maika Munan and MP Cherie Choir 1: Franco and Pepe Kalle Choir 2: Likinga Redo and Soki Vangu Beginning Choir: Likinga Redo, Pepe Kalle and Soki Vangu
12) Yayongo by Pepe Kalle Guitars: Michelino, Franco, Doris Ebuya, Elvis Kunku and MP Cherie Vocals: Franco, Pepe Kalle
13) La Vie des Hommes by Franco Guitars: Michelino, Franco, Gerry Dialungana, Elvis Kunku and Mpudi Decca Vocals: Franco, Pepe Kalle
14) Chacun Pour Soi by Josky Kiambukuta Guitars: Michelino, Franco, Doris Ebuya, Lutumba Simaro and Mpudi Decca Lead Vocals: Franco and Pepe Kalle Choirs: Josky Kiambukuta, Kiese Diambu and Papa Wemba
15) Flora, Une Femme Difficile by Franco Guitars: Diblo Dibala, Papa Noel, Gerry Dialungana, Ya Makosso and MP Cherie Lead Vocals: Franco and Pepe Kalle Choirs: Likinga Redo, Papa Wemba and Soki Vangu
16) Lisanga ya Banganga by Tabu Ley Guitars: Michelino, Franco, Doris Ebuya, Elvis Kunku and MP Cherie Lead Vocals: Franco and Pepe Kalle Choirs: Djo Mpoyi, Kiese Diambu and Nzaya Nzayadio
17) Nalingaka Yo Yo Te by Franco Guitars: Michelino, Franco, Gerry Dialungana, Maika Munan and Mpudi Decca Lead Vocal: Franco Choirs: Franco and Pepe Kalle
18) Frien a Main by Franco Guitars: Michelino, Franco, Gerry Dialungana, Ya Makosso and Mpudi Decca Lead Vocal: Franco Beginning Choir: Franco, Ntesa and Pepe Kalle Regular Choir: Josky Kiambukuta, Ntesa and Pepe Kalle
19) Nzoto ya Chance by Pepe Kalle Guitars: Kinanga Boeing 737, Papa Noel, Doris Ebuya, Elvis Kunku and MP Cherie Lead Vocal: Pepe Kalle Choirs: Franco, Nzaya Nzayadio and Papa Wemba
20) Mace by Lutumba Simaro Guitars: Michelino, Franco, Lutumba Simaro, Ya Makosso and Mpudi Decca Beginning Choir: Franco, Papa Wemba and Pepe Kalle Choir 1: Franco and Likinga Redo Choir 2: Papa Wemba and Pepe Kalle
21) Diarrhée Verbale by Lutumba Simaro Guitars: Diblo Dibala, Papa Noel, Doris Ebuya, Maika Munan and Mp Cherie Lead Vocals: Franco, Pepe Kalle Choirs: Kiese Diambu, Likinga Redo and Nzaya Nzayadio
22) Azda by Franco Guitars: Diblo Dibala, Franco, Doris Ebuya, Lutumba Simaro and Mpudi Decca Lead Vocal: Franco Beginning Choir: Franco, Nyoka Longo and Pepe Kalle Regular Choir: Ntesa, Nyoka Longo and Pepe Kalle
23) Kinzonzi ki tata Mbemba by Franco Guitars: Michelino, Papa Noel, Lutumba Simaro, Elvis Kunku and MP Cherie Lead Vocal: Franco Choirs: Ntesa, Nzaya Nzayadio and Pepe Kalle
24) Muana Oyo by Franco Guitars: Michelino, Papa Noel, Lutumba Simaro, Ya Makosso and MP Cherie Lead Vocal: Franco Choirs: Franco and Pepe Kalle
25) Zouke Zouke by Pepe Kalle Guitars: Kinanga Boeing 737, Papa Noel, Doris Ebuya, Elvis Kunku and Mpudi Decca Vocals: Franco, Papa Wemba and Pepe Kalle
26) Calavaire by Pepe Kalle Guitars: Diblo Dibala, Franco, Doris Ebuya, Ya Makosso and MP Cherie Lead Vocal: Pepe Kalle Beginning Choir: Franco, Likinga Redo and Pepe Kalle Regular Choir: Franco, Likinga Redo and Nyoka Longo
27) O Nager by Pepe Kalle Guitars: Kinanga Boeing 737, Papa Noel, Doris Ebuya, Ya Makosso and MP Cherie Lead Vocals: Franco and Pepe Kalle Choirs: Djo Mpoyi, Kiese Diambu and Soki Vangu
28) Mujinga by Franco Guitars: Diblo Dibala, Franco, Gerry Dialungana, Ya Makosso and Mpudi Decca Lead Vocal: Franco Choirs: Josky Kiambukuta, Ntesa Dalienst and Pepe Kalle
29) Laisser Passer by Matalanza Guitars: Michelino, Franco, Gerry Dialungana, Maika Munan and Mp Cherie Lead Vocals: Franco and Pepe Kalle Choirs: Josky Kiambukuta, Ntesa Dalienst and Papa Wemba
30) Kevalina by JP Buse Guitars: Kinanga Boeing 737, Papa Noel, Doris Ebuya, Elvis Kunku and Mpudi Decca Lead Vocals and Beginning Choirs: Franco and Pepe Kalle Choirs: Likinga Redo, Nzaya Nzayadio and Nyoka Longo
31) Ben Betito by Belobi Meridjo Guitars: Kinanga Boeing 737, Papa Noel, Doris Ebuya, Elvis Kunku and MP Cherie Lead Vocal: Franco Choirs: Nyoka Longo, Papa Wemba and Pepe Kalle
32) Elidjo Motema by Diblo Dibala Guitars: Diblo Dibala, Papa Noel, Lutumba Simaro, Maika Munan and Mpudi Decca Lead Vocal: Pepe Kalle Beginning Choir: Franco, Pepe Kalle and Soki Vangu Choirs: Franco, Nzaya Nzayadio and Soki Vangu
33) Fifi Innocent by Lutumba Simaro Guitars: Kinanga Boeing 737, Franco, Lutumba Simaro, Maika Munan and MP Cherie Vocals: Franco, Pepe Kalle
34) Mahele by Lutumba Simaro Guitars: Kinanga Boeing 737, Franco, Lutumba Simaro, Elvis Kunku and MP Cherie Choir One: Franco and Pepe Kalle Choir Two: Kiese Diambu, Likinga Redo and Nyoka Longo
35) Lettre 3 by Franco Guitars: Michelino, Franco, Gerry Dialungana, Ya Makosso and Mp Cherie Lead Vocals and Beginning Choirs: Franco and Pepe Kalle Choirs: Djo Mpoyi, Josky Kiambukuta and Ntesa
36) Moleka by Wuta Mayi Guitars: Michelino, Franco, Doris Ebuya, Maika Munan and Mpudi Decca Beginning Choir: Franco, Nzaya Nzayadio, Papa Wemba and Pepe Kalle Choir 1: Nzaya Nzayadio and Papa Wemba Choir 2: Franco and Pepe Kalle
These songs would be the best choices for proposals for a Franco and Pepe Kalle project together. Some will be duets and others will be with other artists that I proposed. Franco would get to redo chemistry with Michelino and make new ones with an individual like Diblo Dibala. I add acoustic guitar because I think it can make the song a little more flexible for fans who love acoustic guitars too. The reason that these songs would fit is because Franco and Pepe Kalle know how to gather great talents for great work. One of the songs I proposed would be the song Nganda Ma Campagne that was made by singer Lola Checain. Part of the reason I selected this song is that Franco and Pepe Kalle have a lot of Swahili fans. Franco owns Kenya while Pepe Kalle owns Tanzania.
Nalingaka Yo Yo te is another song that would have been very good with a Pepe Kalle voice. Pepe Kalle would have been able to add his smoothness the harmony with Franco. Also Franco would be more focused on his solo vocals on his heartbreaking story. Pepe Kalle is good at singing about heartbreak.
La Vie des Hommes would be where Franco and Pepe Kalle would have been at its greatest. The harmony between these two men would have been better done than the harmony Franco had with Madilu. Madilu did a great job singing in this classic song and I command for his contribution. However I think the song would have more stronger if Pepe Kalle had sung it. Pepe Kalle would be able to give more heartbreak that Franco probably wanted in this song. Listen to Divise Par Deux as example where Pepe shows his heartbreak. It was perfectly done.
Seskain Molenga would be the perfect drummer because he played exactly in styles of Franco and Pepe Kalle. He had diversity in his drumming skills. He even worked with Bob Marley. Franco and Pepe Kalle would have appreciated the services of this man.
Maika Munan is necessary to add because he is from the Afrisa school who would have been perfect to play alongside Franco and Pepe Kalle. He is a legendary music engineer. Kinanga Boeing 737, Doris Ebuya, Elvis Kunku and MP Cherie are great talents and they were the forces behind Pepe Kalle's great music and since Franco really loved Empire Bakuba more than Zaiko, it makes sense to get these men to work with him as well as their great boss Pepe Kalle with Kinanga have a wild personality which Franco enjoyed. Diblo Dibala worked with Franco and Pepe Kalle. Diblo began with Franco for a short time doing the song Elidjo Motema and Diblo worked with Pepe Kalle on songs like Pon Moun Paka Bouge. Mpudi Decca was a Franco musician and played well in Franco songs and I think he would have a good time with addition of Pepe Kalle alongside with Franco. Papa Noel is a perfect Dr Nico copycat able play rumba and sevens very well. Gerry is a solid Lead guitarist who would play very well with acoustic. Ya Makosso is born to play sebenes with force under his guitar. Lutumba Simaro would be good with either rhythm or acoustic guitar because he has strong hands on that guitar. Michelino and Franco would have a great chance of working together with a third different individual. Also Franco and Michelino had strong chemistry as guitarists together.
Djo Mpoyi, Ntesa, Papa Wemba, Soki Vangu, Kiese Diambu, Josky Kiambukuta, Nzaya Nzayadio, Likinga Redo and Nyoka Longo would be good assistants as vocalists for the songs I selected. Likinga, Wemba and Longo represent the Zaiko age which many people love to listen vocally speaking. Soki Vangu is a Bella Bella who has a similar voice to Madilu as well as Pepe Kalle. Djo Mpoyi, Josky Kiambukuta and Ntesa Dalienst are made from Africa Fiesta School as Kiesse Diambu who was a member of Tabu Ley's Afrisa International. Nzaya Nzayadio is a Pepe Kalle prototype who replaced him in Lipua Lipua.
This would have been a great project if it had happened. Franco and Pepe Kalle are legends in their perspective generations. They would have been perfect as a duo as well as great with other musicians and singers.
I gave a long list songs and musicians for this great project.
Franco would have been a great musical partner to Pepe Kalle. For the next Franco posts, I will mention two people from Clan Langa Langa that would have been with Grand Maitre.
Next posts will be with Tabu Ley. Two posts dedicated to him.
This duet should have occurred especially since both of them sung with Tabu Ley. I will do two duet posts of Tabu Ley with a former Empire Bakuba leader and one of the co-founders of Zaiko Langa Langa. Who are the two men that I am speaking of whom sung with Tabu Ley.
I am speaking of Grand Maitre Franco and Pere de la rumba Grand Kalle. These two men made their remark in Congolese Rumba. Rumba music that has gone throughout much of Africa in much thanks to these two men.
I am upset that Franco did not do an actual duet with Grand Kalle. If there was anyone Franco should have sung with let alone do a duet album with was Grand Kalle. Grand Kalle was the one who trained the voice of Pepe Kalle who Franco loved so much. Unlike Pepe, Grand was also a tenor singer. Grand Kalle was a perfect tenor singer. He never had a bad day vocally speaking. The songs speak for itself.
Franco and Grand Kalle would have been perfect because listen to the song Ngungi that Franco sang with Tabu Ley. Had Franco sung a song like that with Grand Kalle, it would have been fire. Franco has a wild expressive voice while Grand Kalle has a sweet tenor romantic voice. That gives people something to work with.
In fact I got twenty songs that would be perfect between Franco and Grand Kalle
1) La simplicité de bulundwe by Franco
2) Finga Mama Munu by Mujos
3) Liwa ya Wech by Franco
4) Mbanda na Ngai by Kwamy Munsi
5) Miwela Miwela by Grand Kalle
6) Connaissance Koyebana by Tabu Ley
7) Bougie ya Motema by Dr. Nico (Nico Kasanda)
8) Zadio by Dr. Nico (Nico Kasanda)
9) Maseke ya Meme by Bavon Marie Marie
10) Republique du Zaire by Kwamy Munsi
11) Garie a Marie by Franco
12) Loboko ya Litema by Grand Kalle
13) Mosala Mibali ya Bato by Franco
14) Tomesani Zonga Coco by Vicky
15) Bana OK Jazz by Franco
16) Moussa Muana ya Congo by Kwamy
17) Ebale ya Kongo by Grand Kalle
18) Kalle Catho by Grand Kalle
19) Bakoka te Financee by Bavon Marie Marie
20) Essous Spiritou by Grand Kalle
These songs would have demonstrated the great chemistry between Franco and Grand Kalle. If Franco was perfect with Tabu Ley, you would have seen more fire with Grand Kalle and Franco himself. The best two examples where Franco and Grand Kalle would have been extraordinary for them would be the following:
MIWELA MIWELA
MOSALA MIBALI YA BATO
These songs would have been the great chemistry between them especially the emotional tenor sound of Grand Kalle and also the strong baritone note of Franco. It would convince people that they were sincere in what they were singing about. I believe these songs would have been better done if these men had sung instead of singing it with Tabu Ley or Edo Nganga though they are exceptional singers.
Franco and Grand Kalle would have been stronger as legends had they made a duet song or a duet album.
Bonjour à tous. J'espère que vous allez bien. Je vais faire deux postes de la polémique. La polémique dans le bon sens. Je faisais deux postes du Grand Maître Franco contre Géantafrique Pepe Kalle. Je vais parler de Pepe Kalle comme un emploi du Grand Maître Franco. Je l'ai dit. Ce n'est pas ma pensée mais il y a des gens qui pensent que Pepe Kalle serait mieux sous la direction d'un autre artiste.
Ce cas sera sur pourquoi Pepe Kalle avait raison pour ne joindre pas L'OK Jazz du Grand Maître Franco?
Je vais vous donner sept raisons lesquelles Pepe Kalle a fait du choix correct ne joindre pas Le TPOK Jazz de Franco.
1) Papy Tex serait seul ou sera allé jouer pour un autre orchestre.
2) Pepe Kalle would have only done nzonzings with Papy Tex. Pepe Kalle aurait fait des nzonzings avec son ami d'enfance Papy Tex seulement.
3) Probablement, Madilu n'aurait jamais été un membre de L'OK Jazz.
4) Pepe Kalle avait déjà un orchestre qui fonctionnait très bien dans la scène musicale Congolaise.
5) Franco n'avait jamais besoin instamment de l'individu comme Pepe Kalle.
6) Un plus grand conflit aurait fait entre Franco et Verckys
7) Pepe Kalle avait son destin propre comme une grande étoile.
La raison finale est plus important laquelle je peux dire que Pepe Kalle avait raison pour ne joindre pas L'OK Jazz du Grand Maître Franco. Dans mon point de vue, Pepe Kalle avait son destin propre comme une grande étoile. Pepe Kalle un destin pour diriger son orchestre propre. En plus, il avait son ami d'enfance s'appelle Papy Tex et plus tard, il trouvait un autre ami Dilu Dilumona.
Pépé Kalle était quelqu'un qui avait le vedattariat du minute qu'il est venu dedans la scène musicale. Il est venu de l'école du Grand Kalle mais il a préparé clairement pour faire son marque propre comme un chanteur. Après tout, il a déjà fait un orchestre qui avait popularité énorme dans la scène musicale Kinoise (Africa Choc) avec son ami d'enfance Papy Tex. Aditionellement, Pépé Kalle était déjà dans son chemin pour travailler avec les individus comme Seskain Molenga avant la préparation de son orchestre officiel L'Empire Bakuba. Finalement, Pepe Kalle avait beaucoup de confiance que j'ai parlé déjà avant. Cette confiance le traversait partout sa carrière dans les bons temps et les mauvais temps.
Aussi, probablement il y aurait un grand plus conflit entre Franco et Verckys. Parce que je sais bien que Verckys et Franco refuseraient entrer une meme une même chambre.
Finalement, Franco n'avait pas besoin réellement de Pepe Kalle. Il avait déjà des chanteurs comme Josky Kiambukuta, Ntesa Dalienst et Ndombe Opetum. Ces chanteurs étaient solide pour chanter des chansons dans le style de Franco. Franco était une légende prochaine. Franco faisait des chansons classiques avec beaucoup de chanteurs. Franco était dans le chemin pour devenir un des grands du tout le temps. Franco changeait déjà sa musique en plus du style musical de l'África Jazz. Ça va dire la musique du style musical de L'Africa Fiesta.
Hello everyone. I hope you are well. I am doing a controversial post. I mean two. It is about Franco and Pepe Kalle. I did posts of Franco vs Pepe Kalle. This time I will speak on Pepe Kalle being a employee of Franco. I said that. Well I don't think that but there are people that say that Pepe Kalle would have been better under someone else. There are some who say that Pepe Kalle would have better been with Franco and there are some who say that Pepe Kalle was good on his own.
This case will be about on why Pepe Kalle was right not joining OK Jazz of Franco?
I will give you seven reasons why Pepe Kalle made the right choice not joining Franco's Le TPOK Jazz.
1) Papy Tex would be on his own or have to play for another band.
2) Pepe Kalle would have only done nzonzings with Papy Tex.
3) Madilu probably would have never been in OK Jazz.
4) Pepe Kalle already had a band that was doing very good in the Congolese Music Scene.
5) Franco was not in urgent need of a individual like Pepe Kalle.
6) Franco and Verckys would have a bigger conflict.
7) Pepe Kalle was meant to be his own star.
Final reason is the most important why. In my view, Pepe Kalle was born to be his own star. He was meant to lead a band. In addition, he had his childhood friend Papy Tex and later on with another friend Dilu Dilumona.
Pepe Kalle was someone who was a superstar from the minute he came into the music scene. He was from Grand Kalle school but he was clearly set to make his own mark as a singer. After all, he already had a group that was pretty popular at the local Kinshasa music scene (Africa Choc) with his childhood friend Papy Tex. In addition, Pepe Kalle was on his way to work with individuals like Seskain Molenga before preparing for an official band called Empire Bakuba. Finally, Pepe Kalle was a very confident which I spoke before. This confidence helped him keep his career going with the good and the bad times.
Also, perhaps there would have been a bigger conflict between Franco and Verckys. Because I am sure Verckys and Franco would not even want to be in the same room.
Finally, Franco did not really need Pepe Kalle. He already had likes of Josky Kiambukuta, Ntesa Dalienst, and Ndombe Opetum. Those singers were solid to sing on Franco style songs. Franco was a legend in making. Franco made great classic songs with different kind of singers. Franco was on his way to become one of the all time greats. Franco already changed his music to more African Jazz style music. In other words, "Africa Fiesta Style of Music".
Hello everyone. I want to do a post on this classic work.
It is Chez Fabrice a Bruxxelles. It is a great work from Franco and Le TPOK Jazz. It was released in 1983. This album is a important for three reasons.
1) Some notable OKJ singers left. I mean Ndombe Opetum, Djo Mpoyi, Diatho Lukoki and Wuta Mayi. Wuta Mayi would go to form a band with Nyboma called 4 Etoiles. Djo Mpoyi would go to do some solo adventure and do some songs with Diatho of a side band Tiers Monde. Ndombe would form Tiers Cooperation with Sam Mangwana before Diatho and Djo would join Ndombe on that band after Sam went for another adventure.
2) Franco rediscovered a passion in making duets with the song Non.
3) It was beginning of the star of Madilu System.
This album was where Madilu System would finally breakthrough after years of having no luck with end of Bakuba Mayopi. But on this song, Madilu restarted his stardom and fans of OKJ began to notice him. They enjoyed his voice a lot. When you listen to Non, you notice it sounds a little different from his usual style. Well it was designed that way. If Franco had it his way, no way Madilu would have sung this song. In fact he made this song for another individual. Who was it? Josky Kiambukuta. Wait? JOSKY, Really? Yes. Well according to Madilu anyway. He claimed that he wanted this song to be for Josky. Very interesting but then again Josky was nicknamed Djosex for love songs. After all, Josky was Franco's favorite singer for a long time. He often selected Josky to sing in his songs. I mean Josky even co-sang lead Franco's TOKOMA BACAMARADE. So I can see why Franco wanted Josky. But Josky surprisingly refused. Also, he did not look for Ntesa Dalienst which is shocking considering that Ntesa and Franco had a great complimentary sound together. Franco was apparently mad because he could not get a singer. Funny enough, Madilu said Franco even wanted Nyboma and Wuta Mayi who then formed 4 Etoiles as I mentioned before with Syran Mbenza and Bopol. Then, Madilu said that he sung a little vocal but Franco wanted Tabu Ley but thanks to Franco's wife, the song officially went to Madilu as Franco's duet partner. You know the rest is history for the beginning of Madilu's reign on OKJ after 1983.
Also comes the good harmony of Josky Kiambukuta, Madilu System and Ntesa Dalienst. It would be showed on the songs Freins a main (handbrake) and Second Version of Fabrice which is known as 5 Ans Ya Fabrice (5 years of Fabric). These songs also showed Franco's ability to give storytelling while singing at the same time. I saw the great emotion and passion of Josky, Madilu and Ntesa in the choirs. This showed how good Franco was at assembling great singers together. He did once with Josky, Ndombe and Ntesa or Josky, Pepe Ndombe and Youlou Mabiala or Diatho Lukoki, Josky and Ntesa. This one was no exception. Franco was a great musical genius not only on guitar but also getting great singers in order to great harmony for all OKJ fans to enjoy.
Another part of Madilu's rise into OKJ had a part of another individual who people often compare Madilu to. Well vocally speaking anyway. Also this man really was loved by Franco. I am speaking about Pepe Kalle. Pepe Kalle was a big star in Congo at the time and he was impressing big stars. While Franco pretended to be scared of Zaiko Langa Langa, in reality he feared Pepe Kalle much more that he attempted to actually get him into OKJ. But the problem was that Pepe Kalle wanted to be his own man and respectfully declined to join OK Jazz. Franco was very angry about this that he was determined to find a "Pepe Kalle" prototype. He would get his wish after finding Madilu and getting success with him on the song Non. Madilu's star rose as Pepe Kalle started to make noise around the periods of 1985 to 1988. Franco and Pepe Kalle found that they had a lot of things in common. Papy Tex had remarked that Franco and Pepe Kalle would do some games together while Papy Tex would not want to participate. Also Franco preferred Empire Bakuba over Zaiko Langa Langa behind the scenes. THAT IS THE TRUTH. According to Papy Tex, Franco was a important partner to Empire Bakuba and he did a lot for them to get more access.
That leads to my series that I am going to do? Should Pepe Kalle have joined OK Jazz? That is a tough question. Yes and No. It is really 50 and 50. I did often say that Dr. Nico should have joined Franco (and I insist on it today) because Franco could handle anyone. I am sure Franco could have managed Pepe Kalle very well.
I will give two sides of the coin. Seven reasons why Pepe Kalle should not have joined OK Jazz and Seven reasons why Pepe Kalle should have joined OK Jazz.
Hello everyone. Hope everyone is safe and sound during these bizarre times. In these times, I pose myself one question. It is not a great but I will ask regardless.
Should be there new versions of great Congolese bands? I am speaking of Le TPOK Jazz and Empire Bakuba. They were under of the two Kings Franco and Pepe Kalle. Franco passed away in 1989 and Pepe Kalle passed away in 1998. Franco's comrade Simaro passed away last year. Pepe Kalle's dear friends Dilu Dilumona and Papy Tex are still alive. Some will say yes and others will say no.
Here is my response.
I will say yes. Here is why I think it should happen. Part of my reason is that people are still craving for the musics of OKJ and Empire Bakuba. I mean Franco's son Emongo did manage to get some success with his version in ways that some could not imagine. But Emongo is a business man and he should not have to work too hard especially since he is his own man and he has done very well. I am sure that his father would be proud of him very profoundly as well as his sister Sonya who also has her own business. With Pepe Kalle's family, they are doing well. One of his sons live in Paris with his kids. One daughter of Pepe lives in Chicago with her family and kids. Most notably his son Fiston is also a singer and a member of La Villa Nova of former Werrason singer Fabregas Métis Noir. He is getting success.
Another reason comes from late Djo Mpoyi's son Erick who has formed his own band Djo Mpoyi Mania which works hard to revive old great classics of OK Jazz. Erick Mpoyi is managing this band with help of his manager Helene who is deep lover of Rumba music. He demonstrate that is very possible to revive great classic music that people enjoyed and people like me love to hear right now.
Final reason is that Congolese music scene is limited and they are very few new bands that come out due to many circumstances that I will not have time to explain. I hear people complaining that there is not enough music coming out at all.
These are the reasons why I believe that it's time for new versions of Empire Bakuba and OK Jazz but here is what they need to do to make sure that these bands will be guaranteed success. Before I go to those steps, I must address the great question. Where can these bands be located. I will give the suggested areas.
Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo Matadi, Bas Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo Kikwit, Bandundu, Democratic Republic of Congo Lubumbashi, Katanga, Democratic Republic of Congo Kindu, Maniema, Democratic Republic of Congo Kisangani, Haut Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo Kampala, Uganda Luanda, Angola Dar es Salaam, Tanzania Zanzibar, Tanzania Kisumu, Kenya Mombassa, Kenya Dallas, Texas, United States of America Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States of America Los Angeles, California, United States of America New York City, New York, United States of America Montreal, Canada Toronto, Canada London, England, United Kingdom Lyon, France Geneva, Switzerland Brussels, Belgium Paris, France and more
The bands would need to choose which location or locations that they will all agree to reside in to make their bands function.
Back to how will these bands have actual success. Here are the steps 1) Know which direction that this band will go under?
2) Establish rules
3) Members agree on which songs that they will perform together
4) Make sure that everyone reads the contracts and make comprises to make sure that everyone will be in peace.
5) Talk to the previous people about the good and bad of the work.
Final step will be very important for each group especially Empire Bakuba. They are very few OKJ folks around but they are many Empire Bakuba folks around most notably Dilu Dilumona and Papy Tex. The Empire Bakuba people should speak openly with Papy Tex in particular of advice of how to have a group stable and be in harmony even with the challanges. I mean after all, he was with Dilu and Pepe Kalle for 26 years and he saw it all. So if there is anyone who could help these men, it would be Papy Tex. For the OKJ folks, they can go to Erick Mpoyi since he is a great singer and knows how to do harmony very well. I will give him that. Erick Mpoyi would be the one to give them direction for few times so he can focus on his own band Djo Mpoyi Mania.
But what is important that I want to say is that I do think that new versions of OK Jazz and Empire Bakuba is a good idea and it can do well. If the right things come and good steps are taken, these new versions can bring great memories while the musicians will make their own mark.
Youlou Mabiala is one big name out of the OK Jazz clan. He is one of the most important members of the OK Jazz band. He sang a lot with Franco and Michael Boyibanda in his OKJ years. But after that, he made a great band that would be loved in Africa especially Congo Brazza. Congo Brazza better known as Republic of Congo. That band would be Kamikaze Loningisa. Youlou Mabiala and Kamikaze Loningisa come out publicly and officially in 1982 in a LP produced by Franco. From there, Youlou Mabiala would become a legend. How great was Youlou's music during the 1980s. It was so great. Because many people loved this man and his band and also futhermore, they would manage to create a big fan base during this period. One example was his classic song Carte Postale. This song got Youlou on top and many Brazza people had so much joy in this song. They considered Youlou Mabiala as "Prince Youlou".
Also Youlou Mabiala made a excellent collaboration album with his fellow Brazza colleague who was Pamelo Mounka or some say Pamelo Mounk'A. It was called Atipo. This work was huge success in Brazzaville. Many people were having a blast and they realized how much greatness was between Pamelo Mounka and Youlou. Youlou Mabiala captured some great talent during this period. He particularly founded some great singers who were known as "Madilu soundalikes". They were Bola Bolithe, Elba Kuluma or Elba Top A and Tapis Malonga. Also he got former veve star Tino Minkwa. Finally, he founded the great voice of his soundalike man Serge Kiambukuta who is cousin of Josky Kiambukuta. Serge and Youlou were a strong duo and they managed to create a great bond together. They got reunited in 1995 and they sounded perfect together. Youlou also had a strong connection with Elba Kuluma. Elba and Youlou were a great duo together. They got a connection that some cannot understand. They got together in 1992 and recently in some songs. Unfortunately with Elba and Serge, it was both short lived. I want to say that Youlou Mabiala was a great talent and he showed that with his songs and his singers that he got under his wing. NEVER FORGET YOULOU MABIALA. I WILL NEVER FORGET THIS GREAT MAN.
