​Vigil to be held in London tonight in honour of Jamal Edwards

A candlelit ceremony will take place tonight in honour of late pioneering music talent, Jamal Edwards, who passed away yesterday, February 20.

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

The candlelit vigil will go ahead tonight at 7:30PM in Acton, where a mural of the late pioneer has been constructed. The ceremony will take place next to the Everyone Active gym on Acton High Street.

Raised in Luton, Jamal Edwards MBE was a pioneering music entrepreneur who founded one of YouTube’s most successful music channels, SBTV, and helped to launch the careers of some of the UK’s biggest artists including Ed Sheeran, Skepta, and Dave.

Edwards was awarded an MBE in 2014 for his dedication to music services. The 31-year-old was also an author, director, and DJ.

Edwards death was confirmed by his mother yesterday, 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.

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

“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,” tweeted Adam Deacon earlier today.

YouTube also paid tribute to Edwards, tweeting: “We’ve lost a legend today. Jamal Edwards was an inspiration to so many, supporting artists and shaping culture through SBTV. Sending our condolences to Jamal’s family & community.

Find out more about tonight's vigil below.

Gemma Ross is Mixmag's Editorial Assistant, follow her on Twitter