SBTV Celebrates 20-Year Legacy of Founder Jamal Edwards in London

The pioneering online music platform SBTV is marking its 20th anniversary with a star-studded celebration at London's O2 arena on November 11, 2026. The landmark event pays tribute to two decades of British music and honors the extraordinary legacy of its founder, Jamal Edwards MBE, who passed away in 2022 at the age of 31 from cardiac arrhythmia following drug use.

The upcoming evening brings together a massive lineup of artists spanning grime, rap, and R&B, with no designated headliners to ensure the collective story takes center stage. Confirmed performers include Krept & Konan, Devlin, Ms Banks, Skrapz, Tempa T, Chip, Wiley, Lady Leshurr, Big Narstie, Tinie Tempah, Headie One, Dappy, Clavish, WSTRN, Shola Ama, Professor Green, Roll Deep, Frisco, Nolay, Scorcher, and Tinchy Stryder.

Jamal Edwards launched SBTV in the early days of YouTube after receiving a camcorder for Christmas as a teenager in West London. Filming his friends rapping on his local council estate, he built a digital platform that would fundamentally alter the British music industry. By age 23, he was a multimillionaire who received an MBE for his services to music in 2014.

The platform played a crucial role in the early careers of numerous household names, including Ed Sheeran, Stormzy, Dave, Jessie J, and Skepta, transforming online discoveries into mainstream success stories. As the channel marks its two-decade milestone, it plans to reintroduce classic freestyle formats to discover a new generation of emerging rap talent.

Tanisha Artman, Jamal's sister, a singer-songwriter and producer, has stepped in as the CEO of SBTV to carry on her brother's work. Reflecting on the modern music landscape, Artman emphasized the ongoing importance of human curation over automated algorithms. "I know how it feels as an artist and trying to put yourself out there and break through those doors," she stated.

Artists who collaborated with Jamal have voiced deep appreciation for his enduring impact. Rapper Nolay credited him with opening her eyes to online music promotion and brand building, noting that SBTV offers vital authenticity in an era heavily driven by technology and social media. Fellow rapper Griminal remembered Jamal's distinct positive energy, spirit, and sharp eye for raw talent.

Proceeds from the upcoming London event will directly support the Jamal Edwards Self Belief Trust, which was established by his mother, Brenda Edwards, and sister Tanisha Artman to help young people realize their potential. Tanisha expressed profound gratitude for the opportunity to continue her brother's mission, stating that honoring his name and pushing his message of self-belief means everything.