Jamal Edwards Honoured with Music Industry Award

In recognition of his "exceptional contribution" to music, this year's Music Industry Trusts Award was awared to Jamal Edwards. Each year, the MITS Award honours one industry leader who has made a noteworthy contribution. The entrepreneur and DJ, who died abruptly in February at the age of 31, is the award's youngest and first posthumous recipient. At a ceremony in November, his family will accept the award on his behalf.

His mother Brenda Edwards said "It is very humbling" and that her son "will be looking down on us" and "bursting with pride" that his work, both in music and charity, is being recognised. Jamal was the founder of SBTV, an online grime and rap music platform that helped musicians like Dave, Ed Sheeran, and Skepta establish their careers.

The SBTV YouTube channel has 1.23 million members and is still growing as of 2022. In 2014, he was awarded an MBE for services to music.

Responding to the news of the award Ed Sheeran said "Jamal changed my life... I would not be where I am without him" adding that his "willingness to help others whatever the cost meant he changed the lives and careers of so many, not just people in music".