SBTV celebrates 20 years with landmark anniversary show at The O2 in honour of Jamal Edwards MBE!
SBTV celebrated its 20th anniversary in spectacular fashion on Wednesday 11th November, bringing together some of the biggest names in UK music for a landmark show at The O2. The event paid tribute to the life, legacy and lasting impact of its founder, Jamal Edwards MBE.
What began as a teenager filming local artists in Acton grew into one of the UK's most influential music platforms, providing a launchpad for countless artists and helping shape the sound and culture of a generation. Two decades on, SBTV20 brought together an extraordinary line-up spanning grime, rap, drill, hip-hop, R&B and UK Funky, reflecting the breadth of talent and musical culture that Jamal championed throughout his life.
The night featured performances from Big Narstie, Tinchy Stryder, Tinie Tempah, Wiley, Chip, Roll Deep, Frisco, Devlin, Lady Leshurr, Big Zuu, Krept & Konan, Headie One, WSTRN, Professor Green, Shola Ama, Kyla, Dappy, Yungen, Scorcher, Griminal, NoLay, Tempa T, 36, Rimzee, Ms Banks, RV, Skrapz, 8syn and Kasst8. DJ Target, Kenny Allstar and Mak 10 also helped soundtrack the celebration.
A particularly poignant moment came as Jamal's mother, Brenda Edwards, addressed the audience alongside SBTV CEO and Jamal's sister, Tanisha. Reflecting on the values at the heart of Jamal's work, they also introduced the Jamal Edwards Self Belief Trust (JESB), which the evening proudly supported.
Continuing Jamal's mission, the trust works with young people aged 18–25 who are locked out of opportunity, creating the conditions for self-belief to grow through care, connection and community. Its work supports those facing poverty, marginalisation, homelessness and barriers to education and employment, helping them access the opportunities and support they deserve.
Twenty years on from the beginnings of SBTV, the anniversary celebration served as a powerful reminder of Jamal's extraordinary contribution to British music and culture, the doors he opened for a generation of artists and the legacy of opportunity, creativity and self-belief that continues to live on.
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