Jamal Edwards, the inspirational entrepreneur and founder of YouTube channel SBTV died on Sunday 20 February in a message confirmed by his mother, musical actress Brenda Edwards.
In an emotional statement to Loose Women, the day time show where she is a regular panellist, Brenda Edwards, said: “It is with the deepest heartache that I confirm that my beautiful son Jamal Edwards passed away yesterday morning after a sudden illness. Myself, his sister Tanisha and the rest of his family are completely devasted. He was the centre of our world.
“As we come to terms with his passing we ask for privacy to grieve this unimaginable loss. I would like to thank everyone for their messages of love and support.
“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.”
In a stunning display of quiet strength and fortitude, Brenda joined hundreds of mourners at Jamal’s vigil in Acton, west London. She blessed the crowd with a beautifully emotional rendition of the Whitney Houston classic “The Greatest Love of All”, a video of which was shared on social media.
Image credit: ITV Loose Women
Fans of Brenda will know that she adored Jamal and took every opportunity to show her pride at his achievements. Just four months ago, last November, Jamal was a guest on Loose Women. During the show he talked about starting his entrepreneurial journey at aged just 15, but also credited his mum for his work ethic. He said: “… my mum’s work ethic inspired me.” “I remember going to pub when she was doing karaoke and doing my homework there.” “She was always working very hard.”
Working hard runs in the family. Jamal set up his YouTube channel SBTV in 2006, helping to launch the music careers of many household names, including Dave, Jessie J and Ed Sheeran. His journey was captured in a Google ad in 2011.
Jamal was an ambassador for the Prince’s Trust, and in 2014 he was awarded an MBE for his services to music.
Aside from his music, the emotional tributes being shared across social media platforms shows Jamal was one in a million and genuinely selfless. International music star, Ed Sheeran posted: “Jamal is my brother, his light shone so bright. He only used it to illuminate others and never asked for anything in return.
“A stars light shines for millions of years after they go, and his will continue to light up every dark moment, we are all witnessing his power.
“I would not be here without him, professionally and personally. There will never be anything close to what he is, but I’m so grateful to have existed within his orbit.”
“My brother, come on”.
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In a now viral post, Jamal once tweeted: “We all die. The goal isn’t to live forever, the goal is to create something that will.”
Mission accomplished Jamal. Rest in Power!
