Manu Joker

Origin

Araguari, MG

Also known as

M. Joker, Manuel Henriques, Manu Henriques, Manu "Joker" Henriques, Joker

Years active

1986

Genres

thrash metal, hardcore, crossover, extreme metal, dub, rap

Instruments

vocal, bateria

Biography

Manuel Henriques, better known as Manu Joker, is a Brazilian musician with a career spanning over three decades in the rock and extreme metal scene. His musical journey began in 1986 with the band Angel Butcher, an extreme crossover group. In 1988, he joined Sarcófago as a drummer, recording the emblematic EP "Rotting" in 1989, a work that became a worldwide reference for Brazilian metal. After his time with Sarcófago, Manu Joker founded the band Uganga in 1993, in Uberaba (MG), where he took on lead vocals and consolidated his artistic identity. With Uganga, he explores a sound that mixes thrash metal, hardcore, dub, rap, and elements of music from Minas Gerais, with lyrics sung in Portuguese.

Throughout his career, Manu Joker has demonstrated remarkable versatility, moving between different styles and projects. In addition to his work with Uganga, he has also participated in other projects, such as Manu Joker & The Röttens, which revisited Sarcófago's repertoire. His influence extends across various branches of Brazilian heavy music, and he is recognized for his originality and ability to incorporate diverse elements into his music. Artists like the members of Clube da Esquina and 14 Bis are also cited as influences in his musical background.

Manu Joker is also known for his authentic stance and dedication to the underground scene. He has participated in countless tours across Brazil and Europe, released several albums with Uganga, and remains active in music production, including as a producer. His career is marked by a constant search for experimentation and a refusal to be tied down to rigid labels, making him a unique and respected figure in Brazilian music.