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How did Jamal Edwards die? Music mogul, 31, helped launch careers of Ed Sheeran and Jessie J

The news of Jamal Edwards’ death comes days after the legendary actor and comedian Louie Anderson died on January 21

British pioneer and music mogul Jamal Edwards, who is best known for launching the careers of artists like Ed Sheeran, Stormzy, Skepta, and Jessie J among others, died on Sunday, February 20 of 'sudden illness'. The exact nature of the illness has not been revealed.

Jamal was 31 at the time of his death. The unfortunate news was first shared by a leading British publication. The renowned entrepreneur was the founder of the online music platform SBTV. In 2014, he was appointed an MBE for his services to music.
 
The news of Jamal’s death comes days after the legendary actor and comedian Louie Anderson died on January 21. He was admitted to the hospital days earlier after being diagnosed with cancer but sadly could not make it. Bob Saget is another icon that Hollywood lost on January 9. Speaking of celebrity deaths, Betty White died at 99 of natural causes on December 31, 2021. Chick Vennera, DMX, Jay Black, and Jeanette Maus are other public figures who passed away last year leaving their loyal fans devastated.
 
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How did Jamal Edwards die?

According to The BBC, Jamal breathed his last on Sunday, February 20. 

His mom Brenda released an official statement: "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 Tanish 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 message 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."

It was reported that he had attended the BRIT Awards in the first week of February and performed as a DJ at a gig in north London on Saturday, Feb 19, evening. No further details have been released about his death. Jamal became an ambassador for the Prince's Trust, a youth charity run by the Prince of Wales which helps young people set up their own companies.
 
Edwards, who helped push the frontiers of Grime music, also ran a YouTube channel that amassed more than a million followers. He was born in Luton in 1990 but was raised in Acton, west London. He began SBTV as a YouTube channel in 2006. He later featured the early work of artists like Ed Sheeran, Dave, Jessie J, Rita Ora, Bugzy Malone, Krept & Konan, and Stormzy among others serving as a perfect launching pad for them.

The official Twitter handle of YouTube paid a tribute to the legend with a post saying, “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.”

‘You’ve inspired a whole generation’

Social media users thronged to Twitter to bid a final goodbye to Jamal Edwards. “I’m in tears. So heartbreaking to hear the news of Jamal Edwards prayers to his family and loved ones nothing makes sense anymore, said one as another posted, “I think I can speak for us all as artists and as supporters of uk grime/rap scene when I say I owe this man so much! Helped me sometimes without even speaking of it. RIP Jamal Edwards my guy man!!! Can’t believe I’m tweeting this. Legend. I love ya.” One user posted, “A truly humble and blessed soul. Your legacy will live on for years & you’ve inspired a whole generation. Rest easy Jamal Edwards.”
 
The next one added, “Rest in peace to a legend, without Jamal Edwards what would UK music be, what would UK culture be. Forever.” Meanwhile, an individual tweeted, “I used to talk to this 15 y/o kid on MSN & we compared notes on cameras in my early Despacam days. That kid went on to become a giant by the name of Jamal Edwards. He left the door open & 1000s of us ran through it. Thank you so much Jamal. An unquantifiable impact.” And, another concluded, “Rest in Peace, Jamal Edwards. To think how many dreams were fulfilled and how much potential was discovered because of your platform and work. What an incredible legacy; thank you.”