Search - Pepe Kalle :: Larger Than Life

Known throughout Africa as L'Elephant de Zaire, the late Pepe Kalle (born Kabasele Yampanya) was a giant among Congolese vocalists both in terms of voice and girth. The state-of-the-art soukous of 1992's Larger Than Life has aged well. Two versions of Kalle's massive hit "Roger Milla," a tribute to the Cameroon soccer star, bookend the album--complete with referee whistles, crowd noise, and Kalle commentary. The real joy, however, lies in hearing dazzling young guitarist Dally Kimoko run frisky puppy-dog rings around elder players Popolipo Zaiko and Souzy Kasseya. Whether testifying at the top end of his smooth tenor voice, or chanting in breakneck counterpoint to his smoothly oiled backing singers, Kalle comes across as thoroughly in charge of one of Africa's great party ensembles. --Richard Gehr