The drum & bass / jungle world has been shocked today by the sudden passing of the legendary MC Skibadee.
The news broke on social media when Skibadee’s son posted a message announcing that ”I unfortunately come some with sad news to say that Skibadee has passed away”.
The tragic news was later confirmed by the official SASASAS channels which read:
”It’s breaks our heart to confirm that our brother Alphonso Bondzie Aka Skibadee has sadly passed away over the weekend.
Please respect the families request for privacy at this time.
Rest in peace you legend ❤️”
Drum & Bass Icon
There are not many people who reach icon status during their own lifetime, but MC Skibadee was one of those few.
He was your favourite MC’s favourite MC, inspiring a generation of MC’s with his double time lyrics & charismatic stage presence.
Skibadee made his name on the airwaves of London’s infamous Kool FM. This popularity saw him become a fixture at pioneering jungle events such as Fever, Innersense, Pure X, Desire and Thunder & Joy.
Over the years Skibadee won countless awards, he pioneered the ‘MC Birthday Bash’ concept, hosted his own ‘Bangers & Mash’ club nights, and of course released music with the likes of Shy FX & T Power, Dillinja, Benny Page, Critical Impact, MC Det, Nicky Blackmarket, DJ Phantasy, & more oddly 70’s rocker Mungo Jerry.
A new generation of ravers know MC Skibadee as a founding member of the SASASAS collective, who broke boundaries headlining festivals across the world spreading the drum & bass sound.
Skibadee was just 47 years old when he passed. A life lost way too soon.
Tributes
As you’d expect at the loss of such a legend, people have been sharing tributes on social media all afternoon. Here’s just a handful from artists who either worked with him or were inspired by him.
My Memories
I worked with Skibadee on many occasions over the years in both a DJ capacity and as an event organiser & he was always a pleasure to be around. Very humble & surprisingly softly spoken for someone who made a living as an MC.
He was always keen to jump on the mic whenever a big tune came on, leading people to think he MCed for the whole week at the Innovation In The Sun events!!
Here is one of the best sets I ever played with Skibba, recorded live at Melkweg in Amsterdam over at Innovation In The Dam drum & bass weekender. I remember clearly how gassed he was after we finished, which in turn of course got me gassed!
His passing will leave a huge hole in the drum & bass scene… Push up your lighters for MC Skibadee 🔥
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