Skibadee, the legendary London-bred drum ‘n’ bass MC, has died at the age of 54. His passing was announced by his family. The cause of death is not currently known.
“Hello everyone, as Alphonso’s first-born, I unfortunately come with some with sad news to say that Skibadee has passed away,” read the statement. “As a family we ask for some privacy, but may he rest in peace.”
Skibadee, who was born Alfonso Bondzie, began his career behind the mic in the early ’90s as drum ‘n’ bass was taking root as a musical force in the U.K. His rise to prominence began at City Sound Radio around 1993. He went on to win a spate of awards, including the 1Xtra award for Best MC in 2007 and Best MC Southwest Drum n Bass award. In 2008 and 2009, Skibadee won Best Lyrical MC and Best Hype MC in the national Drum and Bass Awards.
During his career, Skibadee appeared on various releases, collaborating with d’n’b artists such as MC Shabba D, Dillinja, Shy FX, T Power, Bryan G and DJ Hype.
Notable d’n’b artists including Jumping Jack Frost, Friction and DJ Hype took to Twitter to pay tribute to Skibadee and his musical legacy.
My brother like I said as long as I’m here doing my thing I’ll always cherish the good times we had .. and fly our flag SAS for life ..❤️ RIP SKIBBA pic.twitter.com/CtbAnnd7YG
— MC SHABBAD 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 (@shabbadan) February 28, 2022
This one has shook me to the core . 💔💔💔 pic.twitter.com/0V5tPU9WuA
— Jumpin Jack Frost (@djjjfrost) February 27, 2022
💔 Incredibly sad news. Rest in peace Skibadee. Can’t believe it 😢 pic.twitter.com/BtxAQtAL3s
— RAM Records (@RAMrecordsltd) February 27, 2022
Skibadee was your favourite MC’s favourite MC’s favourite MC.
I think he was the first person I ever heard MC, and I’m sure that would be the same for a lot of people my age.
Can’t underestimate the foundations that guy built for everything we’ve had since then.
— Plastician / Stish (@Plastician) February 27, 2022
RIP Skibadee. Can’t believe Im writing this right now. Had some amazing times with him on stage over the years. An absolute legend of our scene and will be remembered forever 🙏
— Friction (@friction) February 27, 2022
I cannot believe I’m writing this. RIP @TheRealSkibz MC Skibadee. His contribution to Drum and Bass can never be equaled. He was first and foremost a great guy I always really enjoyed spending time with. Goodbye old friend, we will keep your memory alive forever.
— DJ Fresh (@DJFreshUK) February 27, 2022
R.I.E.P ❤️❤️❤️ pic.twitter.com/T6WwErfE6e
— DJ HYPE (@DJHYPE_PLAYAZ) February 27, 2022