Jamal Edwards: Dave, Chelsea FC and more pay tribute to UK music entrepreneur, who has died aged 31

Some of the biggest names in UK entertainment are sharing tributes to Jamal Edwards this morning, following news of the English music entrepreneur's death. The 31-year-old initially rose to prominence as the founder of SB.TV – a hugely popular platform that originally focused on UK hip-hop and grime artists, and went on to showcase the talents of the likes of Skepta, Dave, Stormzy, Ed Sheeran, Maverick Sabre, and Jessie J early in their careers.

Edwards received an MBE for services to music in 2014. In recent years, he launched the Jamal Edwards Delve, a grassroots youth charity, and was an ambassador for the Prince's Trust, which helps young people get into jobs, education and training.

His mother, Loose Women star Brenda Edwards, has shared a statement this morning, confirming the news – noting that "he passed away yesterday morning after a sudden illness."

"Jamal was an inspiration to myself and so many," she continued. "Our love for him lives on, his legacy lives on. Long live Jamal Edwards MBE, MBA, PHD."

On Twitter, the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, noted that "British music and entertainment has lost one of its brightest stars."

Mercury Prize-winning rapper Dave has also paid tribute, thanking Edwards "for everything".

Thank you for everything🙏🏿❤️ words can’t explain pic.twitter.com/24zqPJoW5X

— SANTAN (@Santandave1) February 20, 2022

Taking to Instagram Stories, Dua Lipa wrote that she was "heartbroken to hear this news."

"My thoughts are with all his friends and family and the many people's lives he has touched and brought together," she added. "Gone way too soon."

Rapper and presenter Lady Leshurr stated: "This man helped so many  artists to become who they are today including myself. He gave me opportunity after opportunity to showcase my talent from Brum into London. We need to keep his name and brand alive. This is painful, the good always go too soon."

Edwards was also an early supporter of renowned Irish photographer Christian Tierney, who has also shared a statement:

"Jamal Edwards was a hero, mentor and friend who affected my life more than almost anyone else in the world. He believe in me enough at 14 years old to fly me to London to work with him for SBTV before anyone else ever supported me and has encouraged me with everything I've done ever since. I wouldn't be anywhere near where I am today without him. Jamal gave many of your favourite artists a platform before anyone knew their name, changing the whole landscape of the music industry and popular culture in the process. Jamal Edwards changed the world regardless of whether you ever knew his name. The news of his passing this evening at only 31 hit me like a train and the grief is so, so heavy, but his message of self belief, kindness, generosity and passion for what's good in the world should be one we all take with us as inspiration in our own lives..."

Chelsea FC – who Edwards was a major supporter of – have also shared a tribute, describing him as "an inspiration to many".

We're deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Jamal Edwards. An inspiration to many, we're honoured that he was part of our Chelsea family.

Our thoughts are with everyone who knew and loved him. 💙 pic.twitter.com/QbVOf6RU6Z

— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) February 20, 2022

See more tributes to Jamal Edwards below:

You @jamaledwards will be missed. We just lost one.

— Idris Elba (@idriselba) February 21, 2022

Rest in peace Jamal Edwards.
Sending love, thoughts and prayers to you, your family, your friends and your fans.#JamalEdwards @jamaledwards pic.twitter.com/4P9uI7zRbT

— All On The Board (@allontheboard) February 20, 2022

We’ve lost a legend today. Jamal Edwards was an inspiration to so many, supporting artists and shaping culture through @SBTVonline. Sending our condolences to Jamal’s family & community ❤️

— YouTube (@YouTube) February 20, 2022

We send our condolences to the family and friends of Jamal Edwards. Jamal was always so generous in sharing his advice and insights with the next generation of talent at BAFTA, and supported many of our learning initiatives across film, games and TV. He will be greatly missed. pic.twitter.com/WVmcLlQV06

— BAFTA (@BAFTA) February 21, 2022

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. pic.twitter.com/OS8CmxqbjH

— Zarah Sultana MP (@zarahsultana) February 20, 2022

This can’t be real spoke to @jamaledwards today we doing video Wednesday

— Big Narstie (@bignarstie) February 20, 2022

I was one of thousands he helped. We started @keepinitgrimy together and filmed Grime sets every week for 2 years. He continued to reach out to people with a helping hand because he loves music so much. None of us can describe exactly how much @jamaledwards did for all of us ❤️ pic.twitter.com/BGXVg5X5To

— Logan Sama (@djlogansama) February 20, 2022

I was proud to introduce @jamaledwards for his Honorary Doctor of Letters degree @UniWestLondon. Jamal then heard about a new music production degree, and his first question was 'can I do it part time?' That was Jamal's legacy - keep looking to learn and grow. #RIPJamal pic.twitter.com/9AmDvahhCZ

— pat younge (@tcmbigcheese) February 21, 2022