The late, great Jamal Edwards will be the recipient of this year’s Music Industry Trusts Award in recognition of his “outstanding contribution” to music.
Edwards, who sadly passed away in February, played an instrumental role in launching the careers of several of the UK’s biggest music stars. He will be both the youngest recipient of the award and the first to be posthumously awarded it. Jamal’s mother, Brenda Edwards, will accept the award on his behalf at the ceremony in November. Previous winners include the likes of DJ Pete Tong, Kylie Minogue, and Sir Elton John.
Jamal Edwards founded SBTV, an online grime and rap platform, in 2006, after receiving a video camera from his mother as a Christmas gift. He received an MBE for his services to music in 2014, recognising his role in platforming young music talent who would have otherwise struggled to receive representation in mainstream media.
Edwards’ impact also extended beyond music, having set up a young leadership programme with Prince William and Prince Harry.
Toby Leighton-Pope, co-chair of the MITS Award committee, said that Jamal Edwards’ influence on the music scene “should never be underestimated.”
Rest in peace, JE.
