RIP Jamal Edwards
Jamal Edwards, the founder of YouTube channel SBTV has died aged 31, his company told the
BBC.
Edwards rose to fame as one of the great young entrepreneurs in the UK in the late noughties as SBTV gave a platform to countless rappers and singers to showcase their talent.
He is credited with helping kickstart Ed Sheeran's rise to superstardom by publishing
iconic acoustic versions of his songs.
Since news broke on Twitter, tributes have poured in from countless fans and artists he collaborated with.
Dave, who released the critically acclaimed album
We're All Alone in This Together in 2021, said: "Thank you for everything. Words can't explain."
https://twitter.com/Santandave1/status/1495519133722726405
The MOBO (Music of Black origin) awards' Twitter account wrote: "We are deeply saddened to learn of Jamal Edwards passing. As the founder of SBTV online, his groundbreaking work and legacy in British music and culture will live on.
"Our hearts and thoughts are with his friends and family."
https://twitter.com/MOBOAwards/status/1495519880531091456
Labour MP Zarah Sultana offered her condolences, writing: "The impact SBTV had on the UK’s music scene and British culture is immeasurable.
"Rest in peace, Jamal Edwards. My thoughts are with everyone who knew and loved him."
https://twitter.com/zarahsultana/status/1495520504819724291
Wireless Festival also thanked Edwards for "giving the UK music scene a voice and a place for young talent to thrive."
https://twitter.com/WirelessFest/status/1495521757431836679
Elro, a rapper and producer from Wales, wrote: "I honestly can't believe what I'm reading here.
"The main reason I got anywhere with music was because of Jamal Edwards. 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."
https://twitter.com/ElroRaps/status/1495509198976737280
Presenter Alhan Gençay wrote: "Fly high brother. Thank you for everything."
https://twitter.com/alhan/status/1495507309400928261
Former Chelsea captain posted a photo of Edwards in a Chelsea shirt, captioned: "RIP my friend."
https://twitter.com/JohnTerry26/status/1495518460738158606
Chunkz, a presenter and influencer on numerous TV shows and YouTube channels added his condolences, writing Edwards' name with a broken heart emoji.
https://twitter.com/Chunkz/status/1495509972968476677
South London rap collective The Manor posted a tweet, saying: The Manor as a group owe so much to Jamal Edwards for putting us on and having belief in us early.
"He supported and was a good friend to us from the very start. A gentleman and an inspiration, God rest your soul bro."
https://twitter.com/_TheManor/status/1495507926634668035
Big Zuu posted a photo of himself with Edwards, saying: "This day changed my life. You changed so many peoples lives. Powers were unmatched. True KING."
https://twitter.com/ItsBigZuu/status/1495509654469808128
