By Nakiwala Barbra & Timothy Lukanga
Acclaimed music producer Skills On Da Beat passed away this morning at Kiruddu Hospital after a long and public battle with drug addiction.
Erisa Mukisa commonly known as Skills On Da Beat, his death comes after he suffered from a blood clot in his lungs, worsened by a delay in receiving urgent medical attention due to financial constraints, as revealed by fellow artist Mudra.
The tragic death of Skills On Da Beat has sent shockwaves through the Ugandan music industry, highlighting the silent struggles some artists face behind the scenes. Known for producing hits like Voltage Music’s “Love Doctor” and Fille Mutoni’s “Katijo,” Skills had opened up about his battle with drug addiction in 2023, a struggle that began during the isolation of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Mudra, a close friend of the late producer, disclosed that Skills’ condition deteriorated when his caretaker was unable to raise the funds required for emergency surgery, which could have saved his life.
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In an emotional statement, Mudra urged artists to prioritize their families and warned against the pressures of the entertainment industry. “Showbiz shouldn’t be about fitting in,” Mudra said, emphasizing the importance of financial planning and familial support, especially during personal crises.
This tragedy underscores the need for better support systems for artists grappling with addiction and mental health issues, especially in an industry that often glorifies excess and pressure to maintain appearances. Skills On Da Beat’s passing is a sobering reminder of the toll that fame and addiction can take on personal lives, with the music community now mourning not just the loss of a talent, but a life cut short due to a lack of timely intervention.
Skills will be laid to rest at his ancestral home in Eastern Uganda, leaving behind a legacy of celebrated work, but also questions about the mental health and wellbeing of creatives in the entertainment industry.
