Tributes have been paid to Jamal Edwards, media entrepreneur and founder of Unapologetic co-producer SBTV, who has died at the age of 31.
Edwards founded SBTV at the age of 16, earned an MBE at the age of 24 for his contributions to the music industry and was celebrated as a champion of marginalised voices across the arts.
The YouTube channel, which today has 1.2m subscribers, showcased musicians Ed Sheeran, Stormzy, Dave and Jessie J before they were signed to major labels and Edwards also helped build an audience for performers such as comedian London Hughes and George the Poet.
A regular figure at industry events, Edwards spoke at Channel 4’s Inclusion Festival last November about the opportunities for digital platforms to level the playing field for underrepresented voices.
He was also a judge for Netflix’s documentary talent fund, which awarded 10 aspiring film-makers £40,000 to fund a short about contemporary British life.
Speaking about the series commission of late-night Channel 4 talk show Unapologetic – the first of the broadcaster’s ‘Black to Front’ pilots to earn a full order – he said it reflected the company’s mission to “bring through new talent”.
The late-night show is fronted by Yinka Bokinni and Zeze Millz.
SBTV also ran a news site, SBTV News, which Edwards launched with the Press Association.
Pat Younge, managing director of Cardiff Productions, which co-produced the show with SBTV, said he was “simply at a loss” to hear about Edwards’ passing.
“Just a week ago, we were chatting about meeting for lunch… gone way, way too soon,” Younge said on Twitter. “Rest in Power. My heart goes out to your mum and family.”
Comedian and presenter Mo Gilligan said Edwards was “a truly humble and blessed soul”, adding: “Your legacy will live on for years and you’ve inspired a whole generation”.
