Edward Christopher Sheeran, MBE (born 17 February 1991) is an English singer-songwriter. In early 2011, Sheeran independently released the extended play, No. 5 Collaborations Project. After signing with Asylum Records, his debut album, + (pronounced "plus"), was released in September 2011. It topped the UK and Australian charts, reached number five in the US, and has since been certified eight-times platinum in the UK.
The album contains the single "The A Team", which earned him the Ivor Novello Award for Best Song Musically and Lyrically. In 2012, Sheeran won the Brit Awards for Best British Male Solo Artist and British Breakthrough Act. "The A Team" was nominated for Song of the Year at the 2013 Grammy Awards, where he performed the song with Elton John.
British YouTube star Jamal Edwards has died at the age of 31. He is the son of Loose Women star Brenda Edwards. Denise Welch posted online: "My heart aches for my friend Brenda.
I can’t bear it. Jamal Edwards was a wonderful son and brother". Mr Edwards helped launch the careers of several leading artists including Ed Sheeran, Dave and Jessie J by having them perform on his popular 'SBTV' YouTube channel.
The Luton-born entrepreneur was awarded an MBE in 2014 for his services to music. He was also an ambassador for the Prince's Trust, which helps young people launch their own businesses.
The MOBO Awards tweeted a tribute to Edwards: "We are deeply saddened to learn of Jamal Edwards passing. As the founder of @SBTVonline, his groundbreaking work & legacy in British music and culture will live on. "Our hearts and thoughts are with his friends and family." Labour MP Zarah Sultana described Edwards' impact on British music as "immeasurable".
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