Music ’legend’ who helped launch stars dead

Music mogul and entrepreneur Jamal Edwards has died at the age of 31.

Tributes have poured in for the music industry pioneer, DJ, and founder of SBTV – who helped launch Ed Sheeran and Jessie J to global fame.

Edwards, from Luton in England, set up the legendary music and culture content platform when he was just 15 years old after being gifted a camera for Christmas, reported The Sun.

The SBTVYouTube platform helped launch the careers of dozens of household names – including Emeli Sandé and Dave as well as Ed and Jessie.

The legend was awarded an MBE (Member of the Order of the Britsh Empire) honour by the Queen in 2014 at the age of 23 for his services to music. He was also a Princes Trust Ambassador.

Additionally, the trailblazer was known for his charitable services and helping the next generation including setting up a series of youth clubs in London communities in 2020.
 

Tributes have poured in for the British rap and grime icon – as many in the industry say they owe their careers to Edwards.

His cause of death has not yet been confirmed.

YouTube’s official account wrote tonight: “We’ve lost a legend today. Jamal Edwards was an inspiration to so many, supporting artists and shaping culture through SBTV.”

Spoken word artist George the Poet wrote: “RIP Jamal Edwards. Giving God thanks that you did what he sent you to do.

“So many of us owe our careers to you bro. Thank you for everything.”
 

We’ve lost a legend today. Jamal Edwards was an inspiration to so many, supporting artists and shaping culture through @SBTVonline. Sending our condolences to Jamal’s family & community ❤️

— YouTube (@YouTube) February 20, 2022

London Mayor Sadiq Khan also paid his respects: “British music and entertainment has lost one of its brightest stars.”

Rapper AJ Tracey added: “RIP Jamal Edwards, west London legend status.”

The MOBO Awards wrote on Twitter: “We are deeply saddened to learn of Jamal Edwards passing.

“As the founder of SBTV online, his groundbreaking work and legacy in British music and culture will live on.

“Our hearts and thoughts are with his friends and family.”

British soap actor Denise Welch, who knew his family, said: “My heart aches for (Edwards’ mother) my friend Brenda (Edwards). I can’t bear it. Jamal Edwards was a wonderful son and brother.”

My heart aches for my friend Brenda. I can’t bear it. Jamal Edwards was a wonderful son and brother ????

— Denise Welch (@RealDeniseWelch) February 20, 2022

Jamal attended the Brit Awards earlier this month – and performed as a DJ at a gig in north London on Saturday night, it’s understood.

Another fan wrote on Twitter: “Jamal Edwards is easily one of the most influential people of the last 15 years in the UK, did so much for so many people, RIP.”

Prominent UK journalist Robert Peston said in tribute: “I am shocked and immensely sad to hear about the death of Jamal Edwards.

“He was such an inspirational and kind man. I loved filming with him at the BBC.

“And he was important to speakers for schools in its early days as a brilliant speaker. Condolences to all close to him.”

British rapper Hardy Caprio said in an emotional statement: “Saving one life is something to be proud of. Saving multiple is something to be celebrated for.

“Here is a man who saved all of our lives whether you were watching his vids or an artist he gave opportunity. RIP Jamal Edwards.

“Those good deeds will always follow you.”
 

Another tribute read: “One of the saddest evenings ever in the UK music industry.

“A visionary. An enthusiastic soul with his camera, capturing historical moments and giving opportunities to many.

“The way we viewed our artists was to change, forever.”

UK Labour MP Zarah Sultana wrote: “The impact SBTV had on the UK’s music scene and British culture is immeasurable.

“Rest in peace, Jamal Edwards. My thoughts are with everyone who knew and loved him.”

Rapper Lady Leshurr said that the news was “heartbreaking” and praised the music mogul for helping her career.

She wrote: “He gave me opportunity after opportunity to showcase my talent from Brum into London. We need to keep his name and brand alive.”

ITV journalist Jam Williams-Thomas added: “This man did so much for grime and UK music.

“I grew up watching SBTV to see all the under-represented artists of the scene. His grind is unmatched.

“A real inspiration and a huge, huge loss to the industry. Honoured to share first names with you. RIP Jamal Edwards.”

Rapper Big Narstie said that he only spoke to Edwards recently – adding that the devastating news “can’t be true”.

He wrote: “This can’t be real, spoke to Jamal Edwards today, we doing video Wednesday.”

This article originally appeared on The Sun and was reproduced with permission.