The final Instagram post of SB.TV founder and MBE Jamal Edwards was a sweet tribute to his "brother" Ed Sheeran.
Jamal, son of Loose Women star Brenda Edwards, has tragically died at the age of 31 with the news sending shockwaves through the UK's music industry.
The entrepreneur, who was born in Luton and grew up on an estate in Acton, West London, was friends with some of the UK's top home-grown artists.
He is credited with helping launch such stars as Ed Sheeran and Jessie J to global stardom via his SB.TV YouTube platform and tributes have been flooding in for the music industry pioneer.
And in his final Instagram post, the man who received an MBE at the tender age of 23 for his services to music, paid a sweet tribute to global star and friend, Ed Sheeran.
Sharing a picture of the pals together in their younger years, Jamal wrote: "Happy Birthday to the OG, Ed. Blessed to have you in my life brother. You know you've been mates a long time when you lose count on the years! Keep smashing it & inspiring us all G!"
He signed it off with a heart emoji.
Heartbroken fans have been flocking to the final Instagram post made by the trailblazer, who was also credited for his charitable services and for founding a series of London youth clubs in 2020.
One Instagram fan wrote: "Thank you for everything you have done for all of us. You will be missed. Rest in perfect peace."
Another penned: "I can’t believe this. If it’s true I’m so heartbroken man. You didn’t just break the scene but you took everyone with you. Thank you for everything Jamal x Fly High."
While a third wrote: "Can’t believe this is true. Jamal we owe you so much, you were such a light in this world and it will continue to shine forever."
Jamal founded the online urban music and culture platform SB.TV at a time when the UK grime scene was beginning to make waves. His work was pivotal in bringing the underground scene into the public conscience.
He had several celeb pals, including Will.i.am, Professor Green and Rio Ferdinand and was awarded his MBE in the New Years Honours list in 2014 for his work in music and his business.
His mum's Loose Women co-star Denise Welch said tonight: "My heart aches for my friend Brenda. I can’t bear it. Jamal Edwards was a wonderful son and brother."
The pioneer's cause of death has not be revealed.
Among his many achievements - which included being a Princes's Trust ambassador, Entrepreneur in Residence at the University of Sussex and an honorary degree from the University of West London - Jamal also fronted a documentary about mental health in the music industry.
Sharing on battling with anxiety, the businessman said at the time: "Anxiety comes over me at the most random times. I wanted to create awareness.
"As much as music is my entry point, I feel a responsibility to talk about these other issues. I wanted to get people talking to each other and they have been, I’m happy."
