13/04/2026
Nicky Blackmarket is regarded as one of the pivotal figures in the early jungle/drum and bass scene. He has played drum and bass all over the world since the 1980s. Renowned for his dynamic sets blending classic and contemporary elements, Blackmarket has performed alongside notable figures like MCs Stevie Hyper D and the Ragga Twins, and at landmark events including Dreamscape 20 and Helter Skelter Energy 97 in the mid-1990s.
Between 1992 and 1995, Blackmarket secured regular residencies and delivered sets at London clubs and raves that championed the shift from hardcore to jungle aesthetics, often testing dubplates cut fresh from studios like Music House. His constant DJing—spanning weekends of back-to-back events—immersed him in the sound’s development, with eclectic selections that incorporated pitched-up breaks and ragga vocals to drive dancefloor innovation. Pirate radio broadcasts on stations like Pulse FM (from 1992) and Eruption FM further extended these sets, providing platforms for real-time experimentation and announcements that connected ravers across the city.
Into the 2020s, Blackmarket has sustained his international presence with consistent worldwide DJ sets, often weekly, advocating for drum and bass’s evolution while honoring its origins. Performances at events like DnB Allstars in Thailand and Es Jardí Festival in Spain exemplify his enduring commitment, maintaining a packed global schedule that underscores his lasting influence on the genre’s international growth. This ongoing touring, built on the foundations of his UK scene involvement, ensures drum and bass remains vibrant across continents.
We are very excited to be welcoming Nicky Blackmarket to VIVID for the second instalment of The Mind Matters on Friday 17th July. Joined by Robbie Dee, Lady Decibelle plus many more, you don’t want to miss this one!
