British entrepreneur and SBTV founder, Jamal Edwards, passed away Sunday morning (20 February) at the age of 31. His mother, Brenda Edwards, said he died after a “sudden illness”.
The online music platform he founded in 2006 — SBTV — was revolutionary and it helped to launch the careers of an incredibly long list of artists including Skepta, Stormzy, Dave, Ed Sheeran, AJ Tracey, Wretch 32, Cadet, Krept and Konan and many more.
Edward’s journey started on a £20 phone while he was still at school. Frustrated by the lack of exposure local MCs around him were receiving, Edwards began to record and share their freestyles via his own YouTube channel, SBTV.
The online platform launched at a pivotal time for the UK music industry. It coincided with the rise of grime, but also the persecution of live performances by mostly Black artists (due to the controversial risk-assessment Form 696, which unfairly targeted certain music genres).
Edwards provided a voice for UK hip-hop and grime that was previously non-existent and he had a heavy hand in propelling the genre into the mainstream. To date, SBTV has more than 1.2 million subscribers and has achieved a billion views.
After finding success, Edwards did a lot of work for charity, including funding youth centres and raising awareness around men’s mental health.
He was a pioneering figure in the UK music scene and the impact SBTV has had on Black British youth culture is immeasurable.
Rest in Peace, Jamal Edwards, MBE, MBA, PhD. May his legacy live on and continue to inspire.
“RIP Jamal Edwards, west London legend status.” — AJ Tracey
“Thank you for everything … words cannot explain.” — Dave
“Here is a man who saved all of our lives whether you were watching his vids or an artist he gave opportunity.” — Hardy Caprio
“One of the most generous people I have ever met. Someone who loved music and truly believed in all the joy it brings.” — Amelia Dimoldenberg
