The entertainment world is mourning the passing of Jamal Edwards, who transitioned to his heavenly home on Sunday (February 20) after a “sudden illness.”
Jamal was 31.
His mother, Brenda Edwards, said in a statement:
Myself, his sister Tanisha and the rest of his family and friends are completely devastated.
He was the center of our world.
Jamal Edwards, who was born in west London, launched a wildly popular YouTube channel known as SBTV (SmokeyBarz TV).
The channel amassed a following of over 1.2 billion subscribers and he used the channel to help bring awareness and exposure to artists like Ed Sheehan, Stormzy, Skepta, Jessie J, and rapper Dave.
At the age of 24, Jamal was given an MBE (Member of the British Empire) award by the royal family for his services to music.
Tributes have been pouring in since the news of Jamal’s passing was made public.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan tweeted Sunday evening:
British music and entertainment has lost one of its brightest stars.
My thoughts are with Jamal’s loved ones at this terribly sad time.
Rita Ora took to Instagram writing:
My first ever interview was with you. Jamal, 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.
My heart goes out to @brendaedwardsglobal and the whole family. ???? RIP ????
See her original post below.
Thandiewe Newton also shared a beautiful tribute post via Instagram, where she wrote:
The day we met… I should have known it was only for a precious short time. Because you did more in one moment than people can achieve in a lifetime. And all with pure joy and hope and truth and SUBSTANCE beyond what can be seen.
Jamal was an Alchemist of possibilities. He made Gold out of nothing. He was gold. A precious metal from this earth. Birthed from the womb of a magical woman Brenda.
We bonded over how we were going to celebrate her, and other Black British women who have inspired me and him. A Gala of Gratitude™️. We worked for a year but couldn’t complete the project because of the Pandemic.
Last week we decided to try for 2023. We were going to talk about it at a shoot tomorrow; Jamal’s debut as director on a music video with @edsheeran and @russ@jourdandunn#NaomiAckie@t22felton
Jamal was ready. It’s just the world that wasn’t. But it will be ready again, and we’ll meet the moment, guided by shining stars like Jamal Edwards MBE.
I love you Brother, and I always will. Rest now. Brenda’s gonna be okay – we gotchu ????
Thandiwe
See her original post below.
Keri Hilson shared this tribute via Instagram:
Broke my heart this morning. ???????????? We were just talking about your film project. I was looking forward to you/it bringing me back to the UK. ????????
I can’t believe this, Jamal. Man you were wise beyond your years…I told you I wanted to share your words on my page so you made this fit in one square & sent it to me.
Thank you for always sharing your heart & wisdom. You’re an inspiration to so many. A life well lived. A strong and true legacy. Rest in peace “my little poet.” ???? @jamaledwards
See her original post below.
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