"Luton boy who helped so many": The music world pays tribute to Jamal Edwards
Colleagues, friends and well-wishers have taken to social media to remember the pioneering SBTV founder
The music world is paying tribute to SBTV founder Jamal Edwards following his death yesterday morning at just 31-years-old.
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 from all walks of life, including prominent comedians, politicians, writers, sportspeople and more.
The news of his death has come as a shock to many and tributes have started pouring in from many prominent figures from the music industry and beyond.
Many of these tributes thanked Edwards for his kindness and selflessness, two qualities which he is renowned for by all those who have worked with him.
Rapper AJ Tracey tweeted: "RIP Jamal Edwards, west London legend status".
Big Narstie tweeted: "This can’t be real spoke to @jamaledwards today we doing video Wednesday".
See more tributes to the late, great Jamal Edwards from friends, fans, public figures and his favourite football team below.
We’ve lost a legend today. Jamal Edwards was an inspiration to so many, supporting artists and shaping culture through @SBTVonline. Sending our condolences to Jamal’s family & community ❤️
— YouTube (@YouTube) February 20, 2022
Pioneer in UK music Jamal Edwards MBE 1990-2022 RIP pic.twitter.com/uZchqmWAYD
— Michael Gravesande (@OldBlackHack) February 20, 2022
RIP Jamal Edwards ❤️
— Aniefiok 'Neef' Ekpoudom (@AniefiokEkp) February 20, 2022
The real measure of a man is not what he has, but how he treats others.
He gave so much to so many. There are hundreds & hundreds of people out there whose life he has touched in ways big & small.
I hope his legacy echoes on.
1/2 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. 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. pic.twitter.com/0ILKrIXtxH
— Adam Deacon (@realadamdeacon) February 20, 2022
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 🙌🏾🙏🏾✊🏾
— MOBO (@MOBOAwards) February 20, 2022
Our hearts and thoughts are with his friends and family. pic.twitter.com/IQPcpkBG8w
Rest in peace Jamal Edwards.
— All On The Board (@allontheboard) February 20, 2022
Sending love, thoughts and prayers to you, your family, your friends and your fans.#JamalEdwards @jamaledwards pic.twitter.com/4P9uI7zRbT
Man... Jamal. I’m gonna miss ur cheeky smile & laugh alot. U did the most humongous, game changing things so effortlessly, with passion, fun, love... u changed the game. Every1 who knows u will remember u for the small beautiful things tho. We love u ❤️ U left ur mark lil bro 👑 pic.twitter.com/1E06cM4Qjq
— Twin (@TwinB) February 21, 2022
Jamal Edwards, one of a kind. 👑
— Defected Records (@DefectedRecords) February 21, 2022
A pioneer.
A genius.
A trailblazer.
A beautiful person.
A massive house head.
A great friend.
Thank you for everything, Jamal.
We miss you already. 💛 pic.twitter.com/LWhI59itL4
Jamal Edwards single handled changed the whole game, man had a Google Advert the levels were different.
— Abdi TV 🏿 (@AbdiTV) February 20, 2022
SBTV opened doors for so many people..💔
Rest in Peace, Jamal Edwards.
— Munya Chawawa (@munyachawawa) February 20, 2022
To think how many dreams were fulfilled and how much potential was discovered because of your platform and work.
What an incredible legacy; thank you 🙏🏽
Never thought I’d be typing this one here… R.I.P @jamaledwards. True UK music legend. Been a real one since we connected back in ‘08, when I had to sneak you into my grime rave to film cos you were only 17… You changed the game big time! Rest easy, my brother 🙏🏾💔
— Joseph JP Patterson (@Jpizzledizzle) February 20, 2022
Rest in peace Jamal Edwards. Luton boy who helped so many. He always gave back to the community and was keen to champion local stars.
— Taj Ali (@Taj_Ali1) February 20, 2022
Jamal Edwards, one of the most generous people I have ever met. Someone who loved music and truly believed in all the joy it brings. Going above and beyond to connect people and bring ideas to life. You have shaped culture and changed the lives of others - never to be forgotten.
— Amelia Dimoldenberg (@ameliadimz) February 20, 2022
Mission accomplished brother fly high 🕊 🕊 🕊 🕊. Thank you 🙏 https://t.co/ZxX3f8vpP8
— GHETTS (@THEREALGHETTS) February 20, 2022
This is devastating news. RIP to the cultural behemoth that was Jamal Edwards. I seriously cannot believe we’ve lost such an important and universally loved figure in Black British culture.
— CEO of Yelling (@ChantayyJayy) February 20, 2022
Absolutely devastating news. So many young people (including myself) were inspired to get into the media industry by Jamal and SBTV. He put Luton on the map for all the right reasons. Thinking of his family right now 💔 https://t.co/XBT6FRWTvG
— Georgia Coan (@georgia_coan) February 20, 2022
Someone asked me not so long ago why I started @Musicalize. I’ve never held back from saying that Jamal and https://t.co/slYnKavF4t was an early inspiration. I’m so glad I got to reminisce on these times with him just recently.
— Ben Anderson (@IAmBenAnderson) February 20, 2022
Absolutely heartbroken by this news 💔 #RIPJamal pic.twitter.com/Pj9kJOdYhu
We're deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Jamal Edwards. An inspiration to many, we're honoured that he was part of our Chelsea family.
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) February 20, 2022
Our thoughts are with everyone who knew and loved him. 💙 pic.twitter.com/QbVOf6RU6Z
He filmed my first ever comedy skit, he gave my comedy a platform on his channel SBTV, he got me into my first ever MOBO Afterparty, I got him drunk on way too many occasions, he laughed the hardest at my jokes, he believed in me, I believed in him. 🌹 RIP jamal Edwards pic.twitter.com/vy5JQ3ZXB3
— London Hughes (@TheLondonHughes) February 20, 2022
The impact SBTV had on the UK’s music scene and British culture is immeasurable.
— Zarah Sultana MP (@zarahsultana) February 20, 2022
🕊 Rest in peace, Jamal Edwards. My thoughts are with everyone who knew and loved him. pic.twitter.com/OS8CmxqbjH
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
Devastated, RIP JAMAL EDWARDS ❤️
— Yung Filly (@yungfilly1) February 20, 2022
Today, the world lost a pioneer of the UK music scene in Jamal Edwards.
— Nadia Whittome MP (@NadiaWhittomeMP) February 20, 2022
His life was cut tragically short, but his legacy as the founder of @SBTVonline will live on.
My love and thoughts are with all those who loved him. Rest in peace and in power, Jamal pic.twitter.com/MW96r1M6ua
Aneesa Ahmed is Mixmag's Digital Intern, follow her on Twitter
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