Mashele Kiswahili

Dekmantel Clash named J Hus' 'Common Sense' as our album of the year 2017 few short hours ago, ending weeks of discussion in the office. One recurring thread emerged, however: what does it mean to be signed in 2017? After all, if some of our favourite albums are self-released, this placed the traditional label structure under huge pressure. Thankfully, some labels are still smashing it. Some have kept a concise roster, specialising in one sound; others have broadened, absorbing fresh influence; still others, though, have proved that they don't care about expectation, and signed whoever they liked. Here, Clash staff name some of the imprints who have kept them on their toes during the past 12 months... Dekmantel   (Felicity Martin) Killer festivals and events, now a ten-year label exposing some of the most exciting dance music going - everything these guys touch turns to gold. It’s p...

The Jamaican Legend Worshiped by millions, Rastafarian reggae superstar Bob Marley captivated audiences worldwide. We delved deep to find some hidden truths about the Jamaican legend. 1.  Bob Marley’s original name was Nesta Robert Marley but his middle and first name were swapped around to preserve his masculinity after a comment was made that Nesta was seen as a girl’s name. This was not the only thing which was noticeably different from his birth certificate. After Bob was born on 6th February 1945, it took his mother a while to finally get him officially registered, meaning the date on his birth certificate was incorrect, stating he was born on 6th April. 2.  From the age of four it was discovered Bob Marley could read palms. When Cedella (Bob’s mother) first heard of this from relatives and neighbours she took it as a joke. These palm readings invariably came true, which left his mother quite shaken. When Bob was a lot older ...

Jose Mourinho has explained why striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic was sacrificed during Manchester United’s draw with Burnley. The Red Devils trailed 2-0 at half-time when Ibrahimovic, starting in attack alongside Romelu Lukaku and defender Marcos Rojo were withdrawn, replaced by Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Jesse Lingard. The subs left Mou’s men playing with only Phil Jones in central defence, with Lingard going on to score twice, equalising in stoppage time to earn United a point. The 36 year old was starting his first Premier League game since April 9 and was ineffectual alongside Lukaku. Mourinho believes United were livelier with Lingard, Mkhitaryan and Juan Mata playing behind Lukaku. - It was tactical, play only with one central defender. We know that they don't normally have the ball, they just play direct.So really in the line-up, play one against one, Jones was a risk Jones accepted, Matic was there just to bring the ball from totally free positions, so he was bringing lot...

Kikosi cha timu ya soka ya Kagera Sugar ‘Wanankurukumbi’ kimewasili jijini Mbeya tayari kabisa kufanya maandalizi mepesi kuelekea mchezo wao wa ligi kuu soka Tanzania bara dhidi ya Wanakomakumwanya Mbeya City. Katibu mkuu wa klabu ya Kagera Sugar Hussein Madaki amesema kikosi hicho kipo katika hali nzuri na kwamba wanatarajia kupata ushindi katika mchezo huo ambao utafanyika Jumatatu ya Januari 1, 2018 kwenye uwanja wa Kumbukumbu ya Sokoine. -Timu imewasili jijini Mbeya jioni hii, kuhusu mchezo tumejiandaa vizuri kwani tunaamini kuwa hii ni mechi ngumu lakini ni mechi ambayo tunahitaji pointi tatu, na tutajitahidi kuhakikisha tunapata ushindi,” Madaki ameeleza. Amesema wanaenda kwa kucheza na Mbeya City kwa tahadhari kubwa ukizingatia timu wanayokutana nayo ni timu zoefu kwenye ligi lakini pia ni timu ngumu lakini kwa kuwa lengo lao ni kupata pointi tatu basi watasahau yote hayo na kupambana kwa juhudi. Kagera Sugar wanakwenda kucheza na Mbeya City katika nafasi ya 10 kwa kuk...

  As reported by the Daily Mail, Manchester United have opened talks with French club Bordeaux about signing winger Malcom. What’s the story? Jose Mourinho’s side have stumbled in recent weeks, with rivals Manchester City opening up a potentially unassailable lead at the top of the English Premier League table. One of their main issues has been a lack of attacking creativity, especially on the flanks, with the likes of Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford inconsistent with their form. Mourinho appears to be looking for a long-term solution with the Daily Mail reporting that the Portuguese views winger Malcom as one of Europe’s top young prospects. The paper say that Man United have opened talks with Bordeaux for the winger, although the £33m they’re prepared to spend falls short of the French club’s £50m valuation. The deal would be done in January, with the player loaned back for the rest of the season, according to the report. Who is he? Malcom is a playe...

  Chelsea are keen on signing Real Madrid star Gareth Bale this summer and are willing to match Manchester United‘s offer for the Welshman. The 28-year-old is likely to leave the Bernabeu in the summer after an injury-ravaged 18 months and Madrid hope to recoup a large slice of the £87.5m they paid for him in 2013. Bale chose Madrid over Manchester United when he left Tottenham but the Red Devils have consistently been linked with the Wales international. Jose Mourinho admitted last summer that he was interested in signing Bale and was caught trying to persuade the winger to move to Old Trafford after a pre-season friendly. However, Spanish publication Sport claims that Chelsea have entered the race to sign Bale and are willing to match United’s offer. Madrid are believed to value Bale at around £80m and Chelsea are said to be willing to pay a ‘good fee’ for the former Spurs man. Bale is open to moving back to the Premier League after a trophy-laden five years in Spai...