A tribute to Jamal Edwards
A pioneer, creative, and activist.
The Black Curriculum is devastated by the news of the passing of Jamal Edwards. Our thoughts are with his loved ones during this time.
Jamal's legacy will act as an archive of Black Britain's cultural history and live on to empower future generations. May he Rest in Power.
Jamal Edwards (MBE, MBA, PHD)
Best known for his online platform SB.TV, Jamal paved the way for many young British artists. His work helped launch the careers of artists like Dave, Ed Sheeran, and Skepta, and inspired a generation of young people to chase theirs. His commitment to providing a space for voices within the community and breaking barriers for young creatives will be felt through his long lasting legacy. Alongside his entrepreneurial work in the music industry, Jamal campaigned for activism around HIV, crime, entrepreneurialism, mental health and social engagement.
Jamal’s work & legacy
In 2013, Jamal was chosen to be the ambassador for the youth charity, The Prince's Trust.
In 2014, TIME magazine named Edwards as one of their "Next Generation Leaders".
In 2015 he was awarded an MBE in the New Year Honours for his work in music and his business, SBTV.
In 2019, he launched Jamal Edwards Delve (JED), a charity aimed at refurbishing and reopening youth centres.
He recently partnered with the Department for Education to roll out their 'Fire it Up' campaign, which aims to promote apprenticeships for young creatives.
Keeping his legacy alive
Jamal started the media platform SB.TV while at school, from his £20 phone. His story is one that many can relate to, admire, and draw inspiration from. Having launched SB.TV around the time of the creation of YouTube, we have been able to experience Jamal's work over the decades as a source of archival history, documenting and preserving the histories of the contemporary music scene.
Through our work with young people, The Black Curriculum will uphold Jamal's empowering legacy by ensuring that his story is kept alive. As an organisation whose practice is rooted in the arts, we will be commemorating Jamal's work and commitment to creativity through our programmes going forward.