BBC announces Jamal Edwards documentary starring his showbiz friends, but how did he die?
The entrepreneur helped launch the career of Ed SheeranJamal Edwards’ remarkable life and lasting impact on the world of music is set to be celebrated in a brand new BBC documentary.
The feature-length film will look back at the entrepreneur’s extraordinary career, featuring never before seen footage and emotional interviews with those who knew him best.
Jamal’s family and showbiz friends will chart his rise to fame, beginning with the launch of his grassroots YouTube channel when he was just 15.
The platform helped launch the careers of some of today’s best music artists, including Ed Sheeran and Stormzy.
Tragically, Jamal died in 2022 aged just 31. Here’s what happened.
Jamal Edwards to be honoured in new BBC documentary
The BBC says the documentary honouring Jamal will “follow his extraordinary rise to becoming one of the most influential figures in modern music and youth culture”.
Those close to the SBTV founder will be sharing their own personal stories, along with their thoughts on the lasting impact he had on the music industry.
The BBC is yet to confirm the names of who will be taking part. However, Ed Sheeran was a very close friend so an appearance from the Brit-born music star seems highly likely.
Jamal – who was awarded an MBE in 2014 – also helped launch the careers of Dave and Jessie J. His mother is Loose Women star and West End performer Brenda Edwards.
The BBC says: “The documentary will include never before seen footage and interviews with family, friends and artists who were close to Edwards.
“[They will be] sharing personal stories, reflecting on his impact in the industry and exploring how he transformed SBTV from a grassroots YouTube channel into a global platform which helped launch the careers of international artists including Ed Sheeran, Stormzy, Dave and Jessie J.”
How did Jamal Edwards die?
Jamal died on February 20, 2022. He was 31 years old and died at his home in Acton, London. Ed Sheeran later confirmed he had only spoken to Jamal just four hours before his death.
An inquest later ruled that Jamal died from a heart attack after taking cocaine.
Assistant coroner Ivor Collett said Jamal returned home at 4.30am following a DJ said. The coroner added: “After drinking some alcohol with a friend, his behaviour changed and became erratic and he appeared paranoid, before he collapsed and became unconscious.”
Mr Collett concluded Jamal died taken cocaine “causing cocaine toxicity and resulting cardiac arrhythmia”.
Following the inquest, his TV star mother Brenda said: “Since finding out the news I’ve been in a state of shock. It’s so important that we drive more conversation about the unpredictability of recreational drugs.
“Jamal is proof that this can happen to anyone. His passing has shown that one bad decision on any one occasion can lead to devastating consequences.”
When will the BBC’s documentary about Jamal air?
The documentary about Jamal is yet to receive a title, but it will be 90 minutes long. The BBC has confirmed it is currently in production and will air in 2027.
