Edited by Rachel Heung
Jamal Edwards was a well known British music entrepreneur, founder of the online urban music platform, SBTV, DJ, an ambassador for a youth charity which helps young people set up their own business (the Prince’s Trust), the son of a singer and presenter -- Brenda Edwards was born on the 24th of August, 1990 and sadly passed away on the 20th of February, 2022.
Edwards was the man who helped launch the careers of some of the biggest stars in British music through an online platform that started as a YouTube channel when he was just 15 years old. Ed Sheeran was one of the many stars whose songs were first profiled on SBTV, in 2010. Rapper Dave, was another who first came to prominence thanks to the enterprise of Jamal.
In an interview conducted by Sky News with Jamal Edwards in 2014, he stated that “The main reason for me setting SBTV up was because I didn’t feel like my mates were being put on a mainstream platform so I thought I wanted to create a platform for them to be able to express their views and opinions.”
Edwards was made an MBE (it is an order of the British Empire award that is awarded to individuals for an outstanding or service to the community which has had a long-term, significant impact), for services to music in 2014. Later on becoming an ambassador for the Prince of Wales’ charity, the Prince’s trust with values of harmony and sustainability, transforming lives by helping young people to build their own companies.
After the devastating news broke of the death of Jamal Edwards, many people expressed their thoughts and opinions on his death on social media. Jamal’s mother, Benda Edwards, a panelist on Loose Women stated “It is with the deepest heartache that I confirm that my beautiful son Jamal Edwards passed away yesterday morning after a sudden illness. Myself, his sister Tanisha, and the rest of his family and friends are completely devastated. He was the centre of our world. As we come to terms with his passing, we ask for privacy to grieve this unimaginable loss. I’d like to thank everyone for their messages of love and support. Jamal was an inspiration to myself and so many. A love for him lives on, his legacy lives on. Long live Jamal Edwards, MBE, MBA, PhD.”
Among the numerous tributes on Twitter, the rapper AJ Tracey tweeted “RIP Jamal Edwards, West London legend status”, while Lady Leshurr said “I’m in tears. So heartbreaking to hear the news of Jamal Edwards.”, and the organizers of the MOBO Awards said “As the founder of SBTV online, his groundbreaking work and legacy in British music and culture will live on.” Dave wrote “Thank you for everything, words can’t explain”, the Prince of Wales paid tribute to him, by stating “Thinking of the family of Jamal Edwards today. His work in music but also as an ambassador for a new generation, including his work for The Prince’s Trust, were an inspiration to so many.”Actor Idris Elba tweeted that Edwards would "be missed", while Richard Branson tweeted “So sad to hear about the passing of Jamal Edwards MBE. What a loss of a truly extraordinary young man who made a huge difference to so many people’s lives.” while Chelsea Football Club adding “We're deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Jamal Edwards. An inspiration to many, we're honored that he was part of our Chelsea family. Our thoughts are with everyone who knew and loved him.”, the Brit Award-winner Ed Sheeran made a post on Instagram dedicated to Jamal’s passing, stating that he "would not be here without him", and added that Edwards "only used it to illuminate others and never asked for anything in return". "A stars light shines for millions of years after they go, and his will continue to light up every dark moment, we are all witnessing his power," he continued. "I would not be here without him, professionally and personally.
Bibliography
Barnett, S. (2022, February 22). Jamal Edwards death announcement was “taken away
from” mum after leak, co-host says. LBC. Retrieved February 28, 2022, from
https://www.lbc.co.uk/news/entertainment/jamal-edwards-dies-31-sbtv-founder-
tributes/
BBC News. (2022, February 21). Jamal Edwards: Tributes flood in for music entrepreneur.
Retrieved February 28, 2022, from https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-60457063
Everything you need to know about nominating someon. . . (2022, February 3). The Gazette.
Retrieved February 28, 2022, from https://www.thegazette.co.uk/awards-and-
accreditation/content/103437
Wikipedia contributors. (n.d.). Jamal Edwards. Wikipedia. Retrieved March 1, 2022, from
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jamal_Edwards
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