Photo by Zac McGloughlin
DRUMMER, PRODUCER AND DJ
BLACKJACK is my groove based project influenced by nu-jazz, funk, hip-hop, electronica and Afro-Brazilian music.
I’m currently based in Belfast but over the past decade I’ve lived and performed in Madrid, Sydney, Dublin and São Paulo, my home city.
New music is regularly released as part of the project Beats & Pieces – a compilation of original beats and featured tracks.
. . .
Blackjack performs a mix of Jazzy Hip Hop beats live on Conscious Jam at 5th Element NI. The collective consists of: Henrique Blackjack Franco on drums and samples, the rapper DAZ on vocals, Kyle McCann on guitar, Matt Evans on keyboard and synth and Peter Close on bass and synth.
With Belfast chosen as the Host City of One Young World Festival 2023, Blackjack headlined the announcement showcase at Ulster Hall. Curated by Bounce Culture.
Blackjack was joined by two talented Belfast-based artists: Dena Anuk$a on vocals and Jai Sian on backing vocals, specially featured for this performance at Ulster Hall.
Awarded Emerging Producer by AVA Festival
followed by an EP release on Extended Play Recordings
“N. Ireland via Brazil via Austrailia as Blackjack Ft. Untitled throw down the amazing live funk jam Bowl. The Vendetta Suite royally dub and trip things out, Bellcrash bring 80s inspired electro and Mr Mur provides rough driving house. This one really packs the funk throughout!” [Released by Extended Play recordings, 2019]
Blackjack feat. the brazilian duo Untitled on the track Bowl as part of Episode21 – Sydney, Australia.
Blackjack’s Day Dreamer brings together a hand full of Sydney’s most talented musicians, as part of the project Episode21. Recorded Live at Jack’s Barber Shop, the collective came together as a band on the shooting day. It consists of: Fernando Aragones on Guitar, Vocals and Lyrics, Sam Hunter on Rap, Shannon Stitt on Rhodes and Synth, Simon King on Bass and Henrique Blackjack Franco on Drums and Production.
Blackjack feat. Sahar on this Lyric Video Destination: Nimbin – about a road trip to Australia’s alternative lifestyle capital Nimbin, during its famous Mardi Grass Parade.
Blackjack Live DJ Mix at Belfast Underground Radio
