Jamal Edwards MBE, SBTV Founder & Prince’s Trust ambassador, dies age 31

Today, the music world pays tribute to SBTV Founder & Prince’s Trust ambassador Jamal Edwards MBE who sadly passed away on Sunday 20th February 2022. 

Known and loved by many in the music industry and general music-loving public, Jamal was renowned for his infectious energy and love of helping others – which eventually resulted in him receiving his MBE in the Queen’s 2015 New Year Honours.

Jamal was a seminal figure on so many levels, and his contribution to UK music as a whole makes him one of the most accomplished and celebrated trailblazers of our generation. 

The founder of legendary UK grime platform SBTV, Jamal paved the way for some of the world’s best-known artists, including Ed Sheeran, Dave, Jessie J, Skepta and many more. 

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Jamal lived and breathed self-belief and positivity. He had a passion for life and many things within it. Music, Fashion, Film; he had a genuine talent for anything that meant something to him. He was naturally gifted to an almost unbelievable extent.

Jamal was also part of the team behind the growing London event brand ‘Cultivation’ and was beginning to make a name for himself as a DJ under the guise of Jamal Artman.

In 2021, Jamal founded JE Delve, a project aimed at refurbishing and reopening youth centres. He was also named as an ambassador for Google Pixel. He even received an honorary MBA from Luton & Bedfordshire University and degree from the University of West London.

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In a statement released this morning via Loose Women’s Twitter account, Jamal’s mother Brenda says:

“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 asked for privacy to grieve this unimaginable loss. I would like to thank everyone for their messages of love and support. Jamal was an inspiration to myself and so many. Our love for him lives on, his legacy lives on. Long live Jamal Edwards MBE, MBA, PhD.”

Jamal was a ray of genuine light that remained humble and modest despite his many staggering accomplishments. Anybody that knew him will recall the instant impact his presence bestowed. 

Rest in peace, Jamal Edwards MBE, MBA, PhD. You will be so very dearly missed by many – myself included.

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