Jamal Edwards, the founder of SBTV and a Music Entrepreneur, dies @31

Jamal Edwards, the founder of SBTV and a Music Entrepreneur, dies @31

Edwards’ company has confirmed that the YouTube celebrity who was granted an MBE in 2014 for his contributions to music is died.

In 2016, Jamal Edwards was nominated for a Grammy Award. On his SBTV platform, he launched artists like Ed Sheeran, Dave, and Jessie J. Photograph courtesy of The Observer/Pl Hansen
Jamal Edwards, the founder of the media platform SBTV, which helped to launch grime and a new wave of artists to a global audience, died on Sunday morning at the age of 31.

Edwards was also a director, novelist, DJ, entrepreneur, and designer, and he received an MBE for his work in music in 2014, when he was only 24 years old.

Some of the world’s most successful performers – including Ed Sheeran, Dave, and Jessie J, to name a few – began their careers on SBTV, Edwards’ platform, which started as a YouTube channel, before being signed to major labels.

Read More: BREAKING: Queen Elizabeth II Tests Positive For Covid-19

Edwards began SBTV “on a £20 phone” while still in high school and turned it into a renowned online youth broadcaster, according to Edwards. His YouTube channel, which he started in 2006, currently has 1.2 million subscribers and approximately 1 billion views.

Stormzy, Rita Ora, Krept & Konan, Bugzy Malone, and others were among the musicians featured on the channel, which was called after Edwards’ rap moniker SmokeyBarz.

“I always looked on grime like the punk movement, in terms of lyrics and rebellious attitude,” Edwards told the Guardian in a 2017 interview.

SBTV’s F64 – a fresh 64 bars of new and unique lyrics – was a signature format that featured everyone from renowned artists like Wiley to novices and up-and-comers.

Edwards grew raised in Acton, west London, and was born in Luton in 1990. To support himself while developing SBTV, he earned a BTec diploma in media moving image from Ealing College and worked at retail chain Topman.

When he became wealthy, Edwards invested heavily in philanthropy, especially mental health and youth center support. He sought to break down stigmas around men’s mental health by speaking openly about his personal anxieties, and in 2021 he initiated an initiative to renovate and reopen youth centers.

Tributes poured in for Edwards on social media from people in the music industry, politics, the sports world and beyond.

Rapper AJ Tracey posted: “RIP Jamal Edwards, west london legend status.” Dave added: “Thank you for everything … words cannot explain.” Lethal Bizzle called Edwards “one of the pioneers in UK music”. Musician Example wrote on Instagram: “Can’t believe you’re gone. 31 years old. Can’t find the words right now.”

Edwards was also an ambassador for the Prince of Wales’s charity, the Prince’s Trust.

“Today I was on set when I found out the tragic news that my good friend Jamal Edwards had passed away and I’m honestly heartbroken,” Bafta-winning actor Adam Deacon said on Twitter. “Jamal was one of the nicest, most down to earth and humble men I’ve met in this industry. He always gave me time even when no one else would.”

Deacon added: “He was an inspiration and what he achieved in life was truly remarkable. Thinking of his friends and family at this devastating time. RIP Jamal Edwards.”

“Rest in peace Jamal Edwards,” England and Chelsea footballer Reece James said. “I’m lost for words.”

“Giving God thanks that you did what he sent you to do ❤️ So many of us owe our careers to you bro,” George the Poet said on Twitter. “Thank you for everything,”