London vigil to be held for Jamal Edwards tonight
The life and work of the influential music entrepreneur will be honoured next to his mural in Acton
A vigil is being held in memory of Jamal Edwards tonight (February 21) in west London.
The music entrepreneur and SB.TV founder’s death was announced yesterday (February 21), with his family confirming he passed away from a “sudden illness”, aged 31.
An Instagram post by actonunframed and actonnotebook shared details of a candlelight vigil in memory of “our local hero”. It will be held at the mural of Edwards outside Everyone Active on Acton High Street at 7:30pm GMT.
Earlier today, Prince Charles and Camilla paid tribute to the entrepreneur, following Edwards’ extensive work with the Princes’ Trust.
Shared in a message to the Prince Of Wales and Duchess Of Cornwall’s Clarence House Twitter account, they wrote: “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.”
Jamal’s mother Brenda Edwards, a singer and panellist on ‘Loose Women’, said she was “completely devastated” in a statement read on ‘Good Morning Britain’.
“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 asked 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. Long live Jamal Edwards MBE, MBA, PhD.”
His death has shocked and saddened the UK music industry. “Thank you for everything,” rapper Dave wrote on Twitter, “words can’t explain”.
AJ Tracey remembered Edwards as a “west London legend”, while Lady Leshurr urged fans to “keep his name and brand alive”.
The MOBO Awards recognised Edwards’ “groundbreaking work and legacy in British music and culture”.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan added that British music and entertainment has lost “one of its brightest stars”.
Edwards is credited for helping launch the careers of artists including Ed Sheeran, Dave and Jessie J through his YouTube channel SB.TV. He was appointed an MBE for services to music in 2014.