Jamal Edwards to receive posthumous Music Industry Trusts Award

The SB.TV founder, entrepreneur and DJ will be the first posthumous recipient of the MITS Award, as well as the youngest. The MITS Award will be presented to Edwards' family in November during a gala ceremony at London's Grosvenor House Hotel. The event will be held in aid of the BRIT Trust, Nordoff Robbins and The Jamal Edwards Self Belief Trust.

Jamal Edwards MBE (24 August 1990 – 20 February 2022) is to be honoured with this years’ #MITSAward

In recognition of his outstanding contribution to the music industry as a music entrepreneur, DJ and founder of the multifaceted music platform https://t.co/DgSEpsW1Wb pic.twitter.com/qsqf1eIkPl

— The MITS Award (@themitsaward) May 17, 2022

His mum Brenda Edwards said in a statement, "It is very humbling for the family to be accepting this award on behalf of our beloved Jamal and we are delighted to have the MITS highlight the Jamal Edwards Self Belief Trust alongside The BRIT Trust and Nordoff Robbins. We know that Jamal will be looking down on us on 7th November - busting with pride that his absolute love of the music industry and giving back to the less fortunate in society has been recognised in this way. Thank you MITS!"

Ed Sheeran added, "Jamal changed my life. He played such a huge part in shaping the trajectory of my career as well, but I would not be where I am now without him. Jamal’s sharp knowledge, unwavering optimism and willingness to help others whatever the cost meant he changed the lives and careers of so many, not just people in music, and there’s no-one more deserving of a MITS Award recognising his place in this industry."

The co-chair of the MITS Award committee, Toby Leighton-Pope, said, "Jamal Edwards changed the face of the music industry in his 31 years, his achievements could be on par with someone 60 years into the business. His influence on the music scene as it is today should never be underestimated, just look at some of the UK’s biggest artists, tours and hits today, and Jamal will have played a part in some way. That’s why he is so deserving of this year's MITS Award. Myself, Dan and the MITS Committee would like to thank the Edwards family for their gracious involvement in the MITS this year. We will celebrate Jamal’s incredible legacy at the ceremony in November and continue to raise funds for the MITs charities The BRIT Trust and Nordoff Robbins. This year, we will also be donating funds for The Jamal Edwards Self Belief Trust."

Edwards' family launched The Jamal Edwards Self Belief Trust in March to "support those causes that mattered most to Jamal". The trust will focus on combatting homelessness, providing people with mental health support, and teaching young people essential life skills.