Considered the father of modern Congolese/Zairean pop as well as the first Grand Master of Zairean music, Kalle was an enormously influential musician. He began his career by founding the seminal Afro-Cuban band African Jazz, the most popular early band on the scene, whose personnel at various times included guitarist Dr. Nico and Rochereau. In 1960 he established his own label, Surboum African Jazz, which was home to superstars OK Jazz. Kalle was responsible for striking deals with European labels to ensure high-quality recordings of his bands' music throughout the Francophone market. ~ Steve Huey