Music entrepreneur and YouTube star Jamal Edwards has sadly died aged 31.
The London native shot to fame after setting up the new music platform SBTV, which helped to launch the careers of stars such as Dave and Jessie J.
Jamal was also an ambassador for the Prince’s Trust, a charity headed by Britain’s Prince Charles, and he was awarded an MBE for his services to music in 2014.
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
Jamal’s sudden death has send shock waves through the showbiz industry, with many famous faces taking to Twitter to pay tribute to him.
Diversity star Ashley Banjo tweeted: “I can’t believe i’m writing this. RIP Jamal Edwards.
The world will miss you Brother 🙏🏽❤️ A true visionary and pioneer who has inspired and opened doors for so many. Lost for words…”
Presenter Jamie East wrote: “I cannot overstate how f***ing tragic it is to lose Jamal Edwards. Without a shadow of a doubt one of the brightest, generous and kindest person I’ve had the pleasure to know.”
“A pioneer, a testament to entrepreneurship and hard work but above else just a lovely lovely man. Gutted.”
I can’t believe i’m writing this
RIP Jamal Edwards
The world will miss you Brother 🙏🏽❤️A true visionary and pioneer who has inspired and opened doors for so many.
Lost for words… pic.twitter.com/aLSXAfDfVs
— Ashley Banjo (@AshleyBanjo) February 20, 2022
I cannot overstate how fucking tragic it is to lose Jamal Edwards. Without a shadow of a doubt one of the brightest, generous and kindest person I’ve had the pleasure to know. A pioneer, a testament to entrepreneurship and hard work but above else just a lovely lovely man. Gutted
— Jamie East (@jamieeast) February 20, 2022
Love Island host Laura Whitmore wrote: “Jamal Edwards was one of the best. My heart hurts.”
Comedian Mo Gilligan tweeted: “A truly humble and blessed soul. Your legacy will live on for years & you’ve inspired a whole generation. Rest easy Jamal Edwards.”
Check out more of the tributes below:
Jamal Edwards was one of the best. My heart hurts.
— Laura Whitmore ⚡️ (@thewhitmore) February 20, 2022
A truly humble and blessed soul. Your legacy will live on for years & you’ve inspired a whole generation. Rest easy Jamal Edwards ❤️
— Mo Gilligan (@MoTheComedian) February 20, 2022
I think I can speak for us all as artists and as supporters of uk grime/rap scene when I say I owe this man so much! Helped me sometimes without even speaking of it. RIP Jamal Edwards💙 my guy man!!! Can’t believe I’m tweeting this. Legend. I love ya.
— Jaykae (@Jaykae10) February 20, 2022
I used to talk to this 15 y/o kid on MSN & we compared notes on cameras in my early Despacam days.
That kid went on to become a giant by the name of Jamal Edwards. He left the door open & 1000s of us ran through it.
Thank you so much Jamal 🕊❤️.
An unquantifiable impact pic.twitter.com/VvBliln05J
— Despa Robinson (@DespaRobinson) February 20, 2022
Just heard the news. Absolutely heartbroken.
Jamal Edwards was a one of a kind. A trailblazer, a pioneer, a beacon, a genius. Sending love and prayers to his family. He will truly be missed.
God Bless you Jamal Edwards 🙏🏾🖤
— mistajam (@mistajam) February 20, 2022
We're deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Jamal Edwards. An inspiration to many, we're honoured that he was part of our Chelsea family.
Our thoughts are with everyone who knew and loved him. 💙 pic.twitter.com/QbVOf6RU6Z
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) February 20, 2022
We are deeply saddened to learn of Jamal Edwards passing. As the founder of @SBTVonline, his groundbreaking work & legacy in British music and culture will live on 🙌🏾🙏🏾✊🏾
Our hearts and thoughts are with his friends and family. pic.twitter.com/IQPcpkBG8w
— MOBO (@MOBOAwards) February 20, 2022
This is devastating news. RIP to the cultural behemoth that was Jamal Edwards. I seriously cannot believe we’ve lost such an important and universally loved figure in Black British culture.
— CEO of Yelling (@ChantayyJayy) February 20, 2022
