DJ DEAD
Jamal Edwards dead at 31: Rita Ora and Fearne Cotton lead tributes to mogul who helped launch Ed Sheeran and Jessie J
MUSIC mogul and entrepreneur Jamal Edwards has died at the age of 31.
Rita Ora has led tributes to the industry pioneer, DJ, and founder of SBTV - who helped launch Ed Sheeran and Jessie J to global fame.
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Edwards, from Luton, set up the legendary music and culture content platform when he was just 15 years old after being gifted a camera for Christmas.
It helped launch the careers of dozens of household names - including Emeli Sandé and Dave, as well as Ed and Jessie.
The legend, who is Loose Women star Brenda Edwards' son, received an MBE at the age of 23 for his services to music - and he was a Prince's Trust Ambassador.
And the trailblazer was also known for his charitable services and helping the next generation, setting up a series of youth clubs in London communities in 2020.
Tributes have poured in for the British rap and grime icon - as many in the industry say they owe their careers to Edwards.
His exact cause of death has not yet been confirmed, but his mum told Good Morning Britain he passed away after a "sudden illness".
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YouTube's official account wrote last night: "We’ve lost a legend today.
"Jamal Edwards was an inspiration to so many, supporting artists and shaping culture through SBTV."
And mum Brenda today said: "Myself, his sister Tanisha and the rest of his family and friends are completely devastated.
"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."
Following the announcement, singer Rita Ora, who said her first ever interview was with Edwards, wrote alongside a series of snaps on Instagram: "Our endless talks on music and the belief you had in me and so many of us before we even believed in ourselves. I’m devastated.
"No words can describe how grateful I am to of been in your presence. Thank you for all you ever showed me."
And TV and radio presenter Fearne Cotton said: "Completely heartbreaking. Jamal you were the most special person.
"I adored hanging out with you, chatting about life and big dreams.
"You’re creativity and passion for nurturing new talent will never be forgotten."
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Popstar Dua Lipa wrote: "Heartbroken to hear this news. RIP Jamal. My thoughts are with all his friends and family and the many people’s lives he has touched and brought together. Gone way too soon."
Actor and Loose Women regular Denise Welch, who knew his family, added: "My heart aches for my friend Brenda. I can’t bear it.
"Jamal Edwards was a wonderful son and brother."
And Prince Charles said in a statement: "Thinking of the family of Jamal Edwards today. 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."
Elsewhere, rapper AJ Tracey said: "RIP Jamal Edwards, west London legend status."
Spoken word artist George the Poet thanked God for what "he sent you to do"; as "so many of us owe our careers to you bro".
Singer turned presenter Rochelle Humes described Edwards as "one of the good ones" who "always went the extra mile to show his support".
Presenter Maya Jama called him a "real life angel", and Inbetweeners star Emily Atack paid tribute on Instagram, saying: "Beautiful and talented Jamal. You were so lovely and kind."
TRIBUTES FOR JAMAL
The MOBO Awards wrote on Twitter: "We are deeply saddened to learn of Jamal Edwards passing.
"As the founder of SBTV online, his groundbreaking work & legacy in British music and culture will live on.
"Our hearts and thoughts are with his friends and family."
Jamal attended the Brit Awards earlier this month and performed as a DJ at a gig in north London on Saturday night, it's understood.
And in his final Instagram post before his death, he paid tribute to his friend and "brother" Ed Sheeran.
Alongside a throwback snap of them together, he wrote: "Happy Birthday to the OG, Ed. Blessed to have you in my life brother."
Among fresh tributes today, Love Island winner Jack Fincham described Edwards as an "inspiration to our generation" while TV's Stacey Solomon said he was "sincere and humble".
Actor Idris Elba said Edwards "will be missed little brother" and rapper Professor Green praised Edwards for his kindness, adding: "I don't know how you always had the positive energy you did, how you were always everywhere doing more and more to help others wherever possible.
"Neutral with no agenda, so, so kind and genuine, not one of the many 'professionally nice' people who switch it on and off, you shone bro."
Journalist Robert Peston added: "I am shocked and immensely sad to hear about the death of Jamal Edwards.
"He was such an inspirational and kind man. I loved filming with him at the BBC.
"And he was important to speakers for schools in its early days as a brilliant speaker. Condolences to all close to him."
A real inspiration and a huge, huge loss to the industry.
And British rapper Hardy Caprio said in an emotional statement: "Saving one life is something to be proud of. Saving multiple is something to be celebrated for.
"Here is a man who saved all of our lives whether you were watching his vids or an artist he gave opportunity. R.I.P Jamal Edwards.
"Those good deeds will always follow you."
Another tribute read: "One of the saddest evenings ever in the UK music industry.
"A visionary. An enthusiastic soul with his camera, capturing historical moments and giving opportunities to many.
"The way we viewed our artists was to change, forever."
While a second fan wrote on Twitter: "Jamal Edwards is easily one of the most influential people of the last 15 years in the UK, did so much for so many people, RIP."
Rapper Lady Leshurr said the news of his passing was "heartbreaking" and praised the music mogul for helping her career."
ITV journalist Jam Williams-Thomas added: "This man did so much for grime and UK music.
"I grew up watching SBTV to see all the underrepresented artists of the scene. His grind is unmatched.
"A real inspiration and a huge, huge loss to the industry. Honoured to share first names with you. RIP Jamal Edwards."
'BLESSED SOUL'
Rapper Big Narstie said that he only spoke to Jamal on the day of his death, adding that the devastating news "can't be true".
Meanwhile former footballer and sports pundit Alex Scott said she had "literally just been making plans"; with Edwards, "the kindest of souls".
And comedian Mo Gilligan described Jamal as a "truly humble and blessed soul" whose legacy will "live on for years".
Amelia Dimoldenberg, the creator of Chicken Shop Dates, also praised Edwards, writing on Twitter: "One of the most generous people I have ever met. Someone who loved music and truly believed in all the joy it brings. Going above and beyond to connect people and bring ideas to life.
"You have shaped culture and changed the lives of others - never to be forgotten."
And BBC Radio 1 presenter Greg James said: "This is absolutely horrible news. A truly wonderful, kind and funny man whose sole purpose was to encourage and support other people."
Tributes also extended beyond the entertainment landscape, with Chelsea FC taking to Twitter to pay respects to the Blues superfan.
The football club said: "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.
Blues and England player Reece James added his condolences, writing on Twitter: "Rest in peace Jamal Edwards. I'm lost for words."
London Mayor Sadiq Khan also paid his respects: "British music and entertainment has lost one of its brightest stars."
Labour MP Zarah Sultana wrote: "The impact SBTV had on the UK’s music scene and British culture is immeasurable.
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"Rest in peace, Jamal Edwards. My thoughts are with everyone who knew and loved him."
And chef Jamie Oliver said: "This is devastating."
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