IN February 2022, music mogul Jamal Edwards died aged 31.
Here we take a look into the life and career of the late entrepreneur and his cause of death.
1
Who was Jamal Edwards?
Jamal Edwards, born August 24, 1990, in Luton, was an English music entrepreneur, DJ, and founder of the online music platform SBTV.
The music mogul, who was the son of Loose Women star Brenda Edwards, received an MBE at the age of 23 for his services to music – and was a Prince’s Trust Ambassador.
We are so proud of everything Jamal achieved over the course of his 31 years and how he impacted others’ lives. We miss him so much.
Brenda Edwards
In addition to this, Jamal was also known for his charitable services, having set up a series of youth clubs in London communities in 2020.
Speaking of her son, Brenda said: “Jamal was a beautiful and selfless person.
“Since growing up with his family in Acton he made it his personal mission to open doors for others to walk through.
“To help people through life, to love and to laugh. And most importantly, to just make people happy.”
She added: “Jamal helped so many, working tirelessly to give a platform to people.
“His charitable work stretched near and far, from working at homeless shelters to giving back to his roots in St Vincent and the Grenadines.
“We are so proud of everything Jamal achieved over the course of his 31 years and how he impacted others’ lives. We miss him so much.”
What is SBTV?
Jamal began SBTV as a YouTube channel in 2006 where he recorded friends performing on the estate where he lived in Acton, West London.
Jamal Edwards dead at 31 – Tributes to music mogul who helped launch Ed Sheeran and Jessie J to global fame
The star set up the legendary music and culture content platform when he was just 15 years old after being gifted a camera for Christmas.
By 2014, he had amassed an impressive fortune from working with artists like Ed Sheeran, Rita Ora, and Stormzy, among others.
The online platform also helped launch the careers of dozens of household names – including Emeli Sandé and Dave, as well as Jessie J.
Other musicians who appeared on SBTV include:
What happened to Jamal Edwards?
In February 2022, it was reported that Jamal Edwards had died at the age of 31.
He was declared dead at 10.36am on Sunday, February 20.
Months later, in August 2022, Assistant West London Coroner Ivor Collett ruled that Mr Edwards died after a cardiac arrest brought on by taking cocaine and drinking.
The founder of SBTV had returned to his home in Acton, West London, after 4am following his DJ set in Islington, North London.
At West London Coroner’s Court, Mr Collett said: “At around 4.30am he arrived at home and joined his close friend.
“They had some drinks and had arranged to smoke cannabis. Although he appeared normal at first his behaviour changed and he exhibited signs of anxiety, paranoia and irritation.
“The insinuation is that Jamal had taken cocaine in sufficient quantity to cause an adverse reaction brought about by cocaine toxicity. This then caused cardiac arrhythmia which resulted in his death.”
In a statement, Met Police Detective Sergeant Luke Taylor added: “There were no signs of trauma to either party.
“Three small snap bags were found in his pocket with remnants of a white powder and bloody tissues, associated with the taking of Class A drugs.
“He suffered a cardiac episode from taking recreational drugs and alcohol.”
Following the announcement of his passing, a series of tributes poured in for Jamal.
YouTube’s official account stated: “Jamal Edwards was an inspiration to so many, supporting artists and shaping culture through SBTV.”
Spoken word artist George the Poet wrote: “RIP Jamal Edwards. Giving God thanks that you did what he sent you to do.
“So many of us owe our careers to you bro. Thank you for everything.”
London Mayor, Sadiq Khan, added: “British music and entertainment has lost one of its brightest stars.”
The Mobo Awards wrote on social media: “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.”
What was Jamal Edwards net worth?
Jamal Edwards tragically left no money behind in his will despite amassing an estimated £8m fortune throughout his career.
The gross value of his estate was £45,502.76 at the time of his death but this plummeted to nothing as the net amount.
Brenda was listed as a beneficiary of the will, alongside his sister Tanisha Artman, aunt Deborah Todd and friend William McCarthy.
Who was Jamal Edwards dating?
It is not believed that Jamal had a girlfriend or partner at the time of his death.
He was not married and was not publicly seeing anyone.
Did Jamal Edwards have children?
The music entrepreneur did not have children.
In addition to his mum Brenda, Jamal Edwards is also survived by his sister, Tanisha.
