RIP Jamal Edwards
Jamal Edwards, the founder of YouTube channel SBTV has died aged 31, his company told the BBC.
Edwards rose to fame as one of the great young entrepreneurs in the UK in the late noughties as SBTV gave a platform to countless rappers and singers to showcase their talent.
He is credited with helping kickstart Ed Sheeran’s rise to superstardom by publishing iconic acoustic versions of his songs.
Since news broke on Twitter, tributes have poured in from countless fans and artists he collaborated with.
Dave, who released the critically acclaimed album We’re All Alone in This Together in 2021, said: “Thank you for everything. Words can’t explain.”
Thank you for everything🙏🏿❤️ words can’t explain pic.twitter.com/24zqPJoW5X
— SANTAN (@Santandave1) February 20, 2022
The MOBO (Music of Black origin) awards’ Twitter account wrote: “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.”
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 Awards (@MOBOAwards) February 20, 2022
Labour MP Zarah Sultana offered her condolences, writing: “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.”
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. pic.twitter.com/OS8CmxqbjH
— Zarah Sultana MP (@zarahsultana) February 20, 2022
Wireless Festival also thanked Edwards for “giving the UK music scene a voice and a place for young talent to thrive.”
RIP Jamal Edwards 😢💜 You gave the UK music scene a voice & a place for young talent to thrive, you will always be remembered as a legend 👑
— Wireless Festival (@WirelessFest) February 20, 2022
Elro, a rapper and producer from Wales, wrote: “I honestly can’t believe what I’m reading here.
“The main reason I got anywhere with music was because of Jamal Edwards. He took a chance on me and backed me.
“Constantly supporting my music and encouraging me to release more. Absolutely gutted and shocked to the core. RIP mate.”
I honestly can't believe what I'm reading here. The main reason I got anywhere with music was because of @jamaledwards he took a chance on me and backed me. Constantly supporting my music and encouraging me to release more. Absolutely gutted and shocked to the core. RIP mate💔 pic.twitter.com/RexVbVpMI6
— Elro (@ElroRaps) February 20, 2022
Presenter Alhan Gençay wrote: “Fly high brother. Thank you for everything.”
Fly high brother. Thank you for everything pic.twitter.com/QhEs4KVwvI
— Alhan Gençay (@alhan) February 20, 2022
Former Chelsea captain posted a photo of Edwards in a Chelsea shirt, captioned: “RIP my friend.”
💔💔💔 RIP my friend 💙 pic.twitter.com/Xkyv5arBas
— John Terry (@JohnTerry26) February 20, 2022
Chunkz, a presenter and influencer on numerous TV shows and YouTube channels added his condolences, writing Edwards’ name with a broken heart emoji.
Jamal Edwards 💔
— Chunkz (@Chunkz) February 20, 2022
South London rap collective The Manor posted a tweet, saying: The Manor as a group owe so much to Jamal Edwards for putting us on and having belief in us early.
“He supported and was a good friend to us from the very start. A gentleman and an inspiration, God rest your soul bro.”
The Manor as a group owe so much to Jamal Edwards for putting us on and having belief in us early. He supported and was a good friend to us from the very start. A gentleman and an inspiration, God rest your soul bro 💔
— THE MANOR (@_TheManor) February 20, 2022
Big Zuu posted a photo of himself with Edwards, saying: “This day changed my life. You changed so many peoples lives. Powers were unmatched. True KING.”
This day changed my life. You changed so many peoples lives. Powers were unmatched. True KING 👑👑👑 pic.twitter.com/f9Uw210se9
— Zig Buu (@ItsBigZuu) February 20, 2022
