Youtuber and music entrepreneur Jamal Edwards passed away from a “sudden illness” on Sunday morning.
The 31-year-old founded online urban music platform SBTV, which was involved in helping to launch the careers of megastars Jessie J and Ed Sheeran.
Edwards is the son of singer and presenter Brenda Edwards, who said she was “completely devastated.”
“It is with the deepest heartache that I confirm that my beautiful son Jamal Edwards passed away yesterday morning after a sudden illness. Myself, his sister Tanisha and the rest of his family and friends are completely devastated,” Brenda said.
Many voices paid tribute to the life of Edwards, including Prince Charles and rappers Dave and AJ Tracey.
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. pic.twitter.com/IQPcpkBG8w
— MOBO (@MOBOAwards) February 20, 2022
After the devastating death of Jamal, our thoughts are with Brenda today. She’s sent us this message: pic.twitter.com/EZWH3b5tcX
— Loose Women (@loosewomen) February 21, 2022
Jamal Edwards' mum Brenda breaks her silence after son's death https://t.co/z6GNUwBAEd
— The Sun (@TheSun) February 21, 2022
https://twitter.com/diedsuddenly/status/1495531849178828803
GB News reported:
Luton born Jamal Edwards was appointed an MBE in 2014 for his services to music and was also an ambassador for the Prince’s trust, assisting young people to set up companies.
Tributes have been pouring in online for Mr Edwards, including from MOBO Awards, saying his “groundbreaking work & legacy in British music and culture will live on.”
Bafta-winning actor writer, director, and producer Adam Deacon, known for his leading role in Kidulthood, said he was “heartbroken” about the death of SBTV founder Jamal Edwards.
He said on Twitter: “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.
“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.”
While Edwards’ cause of death wasn’t initially released, his friends allegedly said he died of a “sudden heart attack.”
The Sun added:
JAMAL Edwards died from a “sudden heart attack” at the home he shared with his mum, his devastated pals say.
The music mogul, 31, passed away on Sunday morning after his final DJ set at a bar the night before.
His grief-stricken friends say he suffered a heart attack at his home in Acton, West London, as they told of their shock at his death.
One pal who attended Acton High School with the star says his family are “still trying to come to terms with it”.
The friend, named as Dwayne, told the Mail: “The details are still not clear but we’ve been told that it was a heart attack.
“He was out DJing on Saturday night and eventually got home in the early hours of Sunday morning.
“The family are still trying to come to terms with it all, but we’ve heard that his mum found him in his bedroom and called an ambulance.”
Jerry, another pal, told the outlet: “Jamal is a legend in this part of West London, and this has hit us all really hard.
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