In a short post on MC Skibadee’s Facebook Page yesterday, it was announced that the pioneering jungle and drum & bass MC has passed away, aged 47.
While no cause of death has been revealed, the post simply asked to give the family some privacy as they cope with the loss.
Born in 1975 in South London, he became a recognizable voice in UK’s jungle, drum & bass as well as rave scenes from the 90s through the following decade.
Skibadee, whose real name was Alfonso Bondzie, revealed in 2017, that he happened to stumble into MCing after attending a jungle rave in 1993 where MC Det, Ragga Twins, and Navigator were on Mic duties. And as per the revelation made to Grime Report TV, just weeks later, he was a guest on pirate radio as Skibadee Boy.
In the 2000s which followed, Skibadee collaborated on records with artists like Shy FX, Dillinja, and Teebone, in addition to releasing some of his own hip hop material. He then toured widely as part of drum & bass group SASASAS, which also includes Shabba D, Harry Shotta, Stormin, DJ Phantasy, and Macky Gee.
The condolences and tributes came pouring in after the official announcement which seemingly followed a few days after his official passing.
💔 Incredibly sad news. Rest in peace Skibadee. Can’t believe it 😢 pic.twitter.com/BtxAQtAL3s
— RAM Records (@RAMrecordsltd) 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
When you think about how many young MCs who was inspired by Skibadee it's crazy. Mcs from all genre's all looked up to him and was inspired by how good he was . Rest easy my brother 🙏🏿 💔
— Jumpin Jack Frost (@djjjfrost) February 28, 2022
fucking hell. I didn’t want to believe it but seems an official post went up on his fb again.. RIP Skibadee, an icon of Jungle D&B who inspired countless MCs in many genres. really awful news, love & condolences to his family & close friends 🖤
— Flight (@DJFlight) February 27, 2022
H/T – DJ Mag
