Jamal Edwards, a prominent music personality in the British Music Industry, has passed away yesterday, Sunday, February 20, 2022.
Known for popularizing Grime and rap music in the country, Edwards has also launched the careers of several British musicians and artists, including Ed Sheeran, Jessie J, Dave, and Skepta.
BBC reported the 31-year old music entrepreneur's death after confirmation from Edward's camp.
Edwards is the son of Loose Women presenter and singer Brenda Edwards, who was "completely devastated" by his son's death.
His son's true medical condition has remained a mystery as they have only revealed that the rap pioneer has died because of a "sudden illness."
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
Describing him as the "centre of our world," Edwards survived his mother, sister Tanisha, and their family and relatives.
Jamal Edwards is a trailblazer in the British Music industry as he had pioneered SBTV. This urban music platform catapulted budding musicians and artists into their music careers.
The rise of SBTV
Starting on a £20 phone, Jamal Edwards kickstarted many budding artists' careers on his YouTube channel.
Out of the frustration of artists not getting the attention they deserved, Jamal formed SBTV by filming these people and uploading them online via his YoutTube channel.
SBTV has given early exposure to several British rap and grime players like Stormzy, JME, Skepta, Lady Leshurr, Dave, J Hus, AJ Tracey, Krept & Konan, and Headie One, among others.
From there, the platform started "building and growing," as per Edwards in an interview.
Arriving at a crucial time, SBTV has shown that the grime scene could thrive online while authorities carried over the controversial Risk Assessment Form 696 of the London Metropolitan Police.
The success of SBTV also made Edwards famous as an entrepreneur at a young age.
Although he wanted to "be the Banksy" of British urban music, he eventually embraced it as he was featured in an ad for Google in 2011 - people then started approaching him for photos.
He, however, took the opportunity to advocate for mental health awareness, fund youth centers, and encourage young entrepreneurs to pursue business.
Last December, Edwards encouraged British superstar Ed Sheeran to record with the Nigerian Fireboy DML.
Now, the chart-topping track "Peru" peaked No. 2 in the UK charts, with Fireboy DML earning his first international hit. Vigil for Jamal Edwards will be held today in London.
