MC Skibadee dies aged 54: Tributes flood in after family announce the drum and bass pioneer's passing

MC Skibadee has died at the age of 54, his family have announced via social media.

The jungle MC and drum and bass pioneer, whose real name is Alfonso Bondzie, burst onto the music scene in 1993.  

His eldest child took to MC Skibadee's Facebook page on Sunday to announce the news.

They wrote: 'Hello everyone, as Alphonsos first born I unfortunately come some with sad news to say that skibadee has passed away, as a family we ask for some privacy but may he rest in peace.'

The cause of the star's death has not yet been confirmed, however tributes have poured in for the artist. 

DJ Fresh tweeted: 'I cannot believe I’m writing this. RIP @The Real Skibz 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.'

Drum and bass: The jungle MC and drum and bass pioneer, whose real name is Alfonso Bondzie, burst onto the music  scene in 1993 (pictured in 2006)

Former So Solid Crew star Lisa Maffia shared a picture of the musician and captioned it: 'Not to sure what to say! Another pioneer gone! My heart goes out to your beautiful daughters, family and friends. DnB finest @TheRealSkibz I’m sorry to hear this news. Rest well sir #skiba #RIP'

The Prototypes said: 'RIP King....the greatest to ever do it.'

DJ Flight penned: 'F***ing 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.'

DnB producer, DJ and Grammy nominated remixer High Contrast tweeted: 'Very sad to hear that Mc Skibadee has passed away. He was a defining voice in dnb. One of the first vinyl I ever bought was Slowmo by Skibba and Det. A dnb icon yet was always down to earth. RIP'

Mike Delinquent, who has worked with Usher, J-Lo and Missy Elliot, said: 'Bro I had a beat ready for you, and you didn’t even know as I was gonna reach out this week. 

'This is all too much now. It’s making zero sense. The King of all MCs, such a presence, the iconic Skibadee. Rest In Eternal Peace, Skiba.'

Early days: MC Skibadee started his career on City Sound Radio in 1993 and by 1995 was featuring as a regular at Thunder & Joy, Johnson & Johnsons and Spirit of the Jungle

MC Skibadee started his career on City Sound Radio in 1993 and by 1995 was featuring as a regular at Thunder & Joy, Johnson & Johnsons and Spirit of the Jungle.

In 1997 he pioneered 2Xfreestyle with MC Det adding Drum and Bass tempo over a Hip-Hop beat beat, creating a double time effect.  

He won a number of Best Drum and Bass MC awards over the years including the 1Xtra award for best MC in 2006 and best MC southwest Drum n Bass award in 2007. 

Pioneer: In 1997 he pioneered 2Xfreestyle with MC Det adding Drum and Bass tempo over a Hip-Hop beat beat, creating a double time effect