Djibril Cissé

French-based label and entertainment curator Jam Block kicks off its celebrity DJ mix series, and French superstar footballer Djibril Cissé is first on the docket with a banging mix of some of his favourite afro, soulful and tribal house cuts. Gems like Masters at Work’s soca-rooted "Work,” Bob Sinclair’s African-ism tune "Viel Ou La” and Groove Armada’s well-worn but solid "Superstylin’” are mixed in with label exclusives like Play Mo Bitch’s frat house party cut "Shake.” Jeremy Sylvester delivers some sweet island vibes with "Socafrica” and Nassau’s "King Africa” travels back to the continent with some rhythmic chanting laid over a delayed synth chord progression. Derrick Carter provides the deepest moment of the mix with the stoic "Where U At,” a track built solely from a driving beat and ominous dialogue that’s completely devoid of melody. As for Cissé, the Liverpool/Marseille striker proves he may have a career off the pitch, lacing together this 15-track mix fairly handily and showing some taste, which he should definitely be respected for, especially given the abysmal track record of celebrity forays into the music world.