As some of you may already know Jamal Edwards, the creator of SBTV, tragically died on the 20th of February following a ‘sudden illness’ at age 31. Edwards curated SBTV as a platform to support developing artists, however, the extent to which he improved people’s lives was previously underestimated. Here we will look at some of Jamal’s incredible achievements and pay homage to the positive impact he had on so many.
As mentioned in our previous Jamal Edwards tribute, SBTV was a YouTube Channel that discovers and supports upcoming talent in the music industry. It works by providing the opportunity to produce and broadcast music content that works to aid the growth of young music careers.
When Edwards started his channel, it was made up of low-quality camera footage of artists rapping in some very average-looking settings, but that is what made it amazing. The original content wasn’t calculated or over-produced, they were impromptu and natural, prioritising the talent alone. Of course, the channel has developed ten-fold since those videos, but it never lost sight of its values.
After years of artist to camera performances, Jamal started to incorporate some different content including interviews and behind the scenes footage. SBTV fans really took to this new variation and the channel continued to grow.
SBTV soon introduced a series called ‘F64’, which stood for ‘Fresh 64’ and consisted of freestyle episodes in which rappers did just that – performed a fresh 64 bars to the camera. The idea behind F64 was that there was no pre-rehearsal involved, it was fresh and unique, allowing rappers to convey their most honest feelings in that very moment.
The channel initially focused on Grime, before expanding into all other genres and was the reason for the success of the likes of Ed Sheeran, Stormzy and Dave. In his teenage years, he was using his own camera to film underground artists and provide them with a platform to be heard. He said, “50% is the talent and 50% is the platform” – so he became the platform. SBTV now boasts a huge 1.23 million subscribers, as his impact on up-and-coming musicians continues to live on.
To fully engage SBTV in other music genres, Edwards created A64 which followed a similar template to its predecessor, F64 but was an acoustic-based series for artists who performed with acoustic instruments. This series helped musicians such as Ed Sheeran, Lana Del Ray and Jessie J showcase their talent.
The channel now produces very high-quality content for artists from all genres across the globe, with a range of performances, music videos, Interviews, music battles and insight videos.
In 2015, he was awarded an MBE for his contribution to music in the New Year Honours from the Queen – making him one of the youngest people named on the Queen’s honour list. The young entrepreneur was an ambassador for The Prince’s Trust charity, which in keeping with his own endeavours, supported young people by helping them to set up their own businesses.
The Prince’s Trust wasn’t the only charitable cause that Jamal committed himself to, he was also a patron of the National Citizen Service, a not-for-profit organisation that creates a “space where young people can become world ready and work-ready, and raise their voice to make a positive difference together. Where they can explore who they are and who they want to be, with no fear of judgement or failure.”
Thousands of tributes were made, paying respects to Jamal Edwards following his passing.
Sadiq Khan – “British music and entertainment has lost one of its brightest stars.”
Michaela Coel – “May his passion, joy and relentless desire to platform British artists be an inspiration.”
Bubba Oasis – “He was a legend, constantly in demand, but always made time for those who are still trying to make their way. Just like us”
Not3s – “SBTV made me feel like I could achieve anything I wanted to”
Lady Leshur – “He always helped his people and was forever breaking down barriers and helping the kids have a better future”
The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall – “His work in music but also as an ambassador for a new generation, including his work for The Prince’s Trust, were an inspiration to so many.”
Brenda Edwards (Jamal’s mother) – “Myself, his sister Tanisha and the rest of his family and friends are completely devastated. He was the centre of our world. Jamal was an inspiration to myself and so many. Our love for him lives on, his legacy lives on. Long live Jamal Edwards MBE, MBA, PHD.”
RIP Jamal Edwards, the music industry will be forever grateful for your everlasting legacy. You will be greatly missed.
