Jamal Edwards, the music entrepreneur who founded YouTube channel SB.TV, has passed away at the age of 31.
Tributes have been paid this evening by leading figures in the music industry after Edwards’ company confirmed the news of his passing.
His company SB.TV, which he founded in 2006, helped propel the careers of some of the world’s most successful artists – including Ed Sheeran, Dave and Jessie J – giving them a platform before they would be signed by major labels.
Edwards began SB.TV whilst still in school, after his mother – Loose Women presenter Brenda Edwards – gave him a camera as a Christmas present when he was 15.
The channel has since gone on to amass 1.2 million subscribers and its videos have been seen almost 1 billion times in total.
His impact on the UK music industry, particularly helping to promote a new wave of grime artists, led to him being awarded an MBE for his services to music in 2014.
Edwards was also an ambassador for the Prince’s Trust, the charity run by the Prince of Wales to help young people start their own companies.
More recently, Jamal also turned his hand to DJ’ing, under the moniker Jamal Artman. He spoke to whynow Radio before Christmas to discuss his newfound interest, as well as working in partnership with Ballantine’s on their ‘Resetting the Dancefloor’ campaign to try and make clubbing a more accessible environment.
The likes of Lady Leshurr and AJ Tracey have paid tribute to the entrepreneur, whilst the rapper Jaykae tweeted: ‘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.’
Organisers of the MOBO Awards, meanwhile, said: ‘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.’
