"He was the hero of Acton": Hundreds gather at vigil for Jamal Edwards

A candlelit ceremony took place yesterday evening in honour of late pioneering music talent, Jamal Edwards, who passed away on Sunday, February 20.

The SBTV founder died Sunday morning from "a sudden illness", his family has confirmed.

The candlelit vigil went ahead last night at 7:30PM in Acton, where a mural of the late Youtube pioneer has been constructed. Flowers, candles, and Chelsea FC shirts were left beneath the mural.

The ceremony took place next to the Everyone Active gym on Acton High Street.

In attendance at the vigil were rappers Leshurr and Scrufizzer, who were filmed performing on the roof of a car in honour of Jamal, a champion of music.

Kal Di Paola from grassroots public arts project Acton Unframed told The Independent: “We hope that the vigil will help those that knew him (or of him), to come together to process their grief and to show their respect and admiration for a young man who has achieved so much in his short life and done so much for his community.”

"He was the hero of Acton," Zachary Thomas told the BBC at the event. "He was the guy who showed you could make it out without... getting involved in crime or anything."

Dominic Magliore, a friend of Jamal's, told the BBC: "It's hard to accept it. I heard about it yesterday and I saw him on Friday. We were hugging, laughing and having a good time and everything seemed OK."

Videos and photos from the vigil were shared by fans, friends and family of Jamal. BBC Newsbeat were on the site and said that: "A vigil was held in Acton, London last night to Jamal Edwards, who died suddenly after a short illness. Mourners left flowers, candles and Chelsea FC shirts in tribute to the SBTV founder".

Edwards death was confirmed by his mother Brenda Edwards, who announced: “It is with the deepest heartache that I confirm my beautiful son 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,” she said in a statement.

A true champion of creativity and talent, Edwards not only launched the careers of several internationally renowned figures of UK music - but he also touched the hearts of many.

Since his passing, tributes have been pouring in from around the world with colleagues, musicians, and well-wishers paying their respects to Edwards.

Many figures in the music industry and beyond have been moved by his sudden death.

According to the BBC no cause of his death was given when Edwards' team confirmed the news to the outlet.

Aneesa Ahmed is Mixmag's Digital Intern, follow her on Twitter