A BLESSED SOUL - ‘THE GOAL ISN'T TO LIVE FOREVER IT'S TO CREATE SOMETHING THAT WILL'

WE TAKE A LOOK BACK AT THE INSPIRATIONAL LIFE OF MUSIC MOGUL JAMAL EDWARDS FOLLOWING HIS SUDDEN PASSING THAT SENT SHOCK WAVES THROUGHOUT THE INDUSTRY

- KIRSTY NUTKINS

Last week it was sadly announced that Jamal Edwards had died suddenly at the age of 31. The music mogul, who worked with some of the biggest names in pop, grime and rap, was the son of Loose Women star Brenda Edwards.

Following his death, heartbroken Brenda described Jamal as an inspiration, adding that “he was the centre of our world”.

His passing prompted an outpouring of grief as countless celebrities paid their own touching tributes to the entrepreneur.

Ed Sheeran, 31, wrote, “His light shone so bright. He only used it to illuminate others and never asked for anything in return. I would not be here without him, professionally and personally. There will never be anything close to what he is, but I’m so grateful to have existed within his orbit.”

Singer Rita Ora, 31, added, “Jamal, our endless talks on music and the belief you had in me and so many of us before we even believed in ourselves. I’m devastated. RIP.”

Saying her “heart is broken”, pop star Jessie J, 33, added, “Your light. Your ideas. Your work ethic. Your laugh,” while 62-year-old Simon Cowell spoke of Jamal as an “extraordinarily talented young man, so ambitious, a real entrepreneur”.

Meanwhile, comedian Mo Gilligan, 34, described the star as a “truly humble and blessed soul” and 39-year-old musician Elliot Gleave, better known by his stage name Example, said, “Can’t believe you’re gone. 31 years old. Can’t find the words right now.”