Rita Ora Pens Emotional Tribute To Jamal Edwards: 'Iβm Devastated'
By Alisan Duran on February 21, 2022 at 7:17 AM EST
Rita Ora remembers Jamal Edwards in an emotional social media post.
The "Fifty Shades of Grey" star, 31, took to Instagram to share a heartfelt tribute to the founder of SBTV, who died on Sunday, February 20, at age 31.
Remembering The YouTuber
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Ora posted three pictures of herself posing alongside Edwards.
"My first ever interview was with you," she began.
"Jamal, Our endless talks on music and the belief you had in me and so many of us before we even believed in ourselves," Ora continued.
With Edwards' untimely passing, she noted, "Iβm 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. π RIP π"
Mourning His Death
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Edwards was the founder of an online urban music platform, which helped launch Ora's career, as well as other British artists like Jessie J, Ed Sheeran, Dave, and Skepta.
Rapper AJ Tracey, 27, also paid tribute to the late music entrepreneur.
"RIP Jamal Edwards, west London legend status," he tweeted.
Skepta, born Joseph Junior Adenuga, 39, posted Ewdards' photo to his Instagram Story, adding a note: "Love and thank you Jamal, young legend."
A Pioneer In British Rap
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In 2014, Edwards, a Luton native, was appointed an MBE for services to music and 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.
Dua Lipa, 29, also remembered the Just Jam Records founder by sharing his picture on the photo-sharing app.
"Heartbroken to hear this news. RIP Jamal π€π" the pop singer wrote. "My thoughts are with his friends and family and the many people's lives he has touched and brought together. Gone way too soon π"
Edwards' Cause Of Death Is Unknown
According to BBC, Edwards attended the Brit Awards earlier this month and was believed to have performed as a DJ at a gig in north London on Saturday night. He died the following day -- his manager confirmed the news with no other details revealed about his death.
Since Edwards started on YouTube, the video-sharing company posted a tribute to him on Twitter:
"Weβve lost a legend today," the statement read. "Jamal Edwards was an inspiration to so many, supporting artists and shaping culture through @SBTVonline. Sending our condolences to Jamalβs family & community β€οΈ"
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Rapper Hardy Caprio remembered Edwards as the "man who saved all of our lives" in his tribute.
"Saving one life is something to be proud of. Saving multiple is something to be celebrated for," he tweeted. "Here is a man who saved all of our lives whether you were watching his vids or an artist he gave opportunity. R.I.P Jamal Edwards. Those good deeds will always follow you."
How It All Started
Edwards created his YouTube channel "on a Β£20 phone" while he was still at school. He made SBTV out of frustration.
"Everyone in my area was an MC and I remember thinking, 'Why can't I find these online? I'm going to film people in my area and upload it to Youtube,'" he told "BBC Radio 1Xtra" in 2017. "And from there it just started building and growing."