British music entrepreneur and YouTube star Jamal Edwards dies aged 31

The British entrepreneur Jamal Edwards, who helped launch a string of music careers, has died at the age of 31, his manager has confirmed.

Edwards gained fame from setting up the new music platform SBTV and helping to launch the careers of the rapper Dave and Jessie J, among others.

He was an ambassador for the Prince's Trust, a charity headed by the Prince of Wales, and in 2014 he was awarded an MBE for his services to music.

His manager told the PA news agency that Edwards died on Sunday morning.

Tributes to Edwards have flooded social media with many expressing their condolences to his mother, the Loose Women panellist Brenda Edwards - who finished fourth in the second series of the X Factor in 2005.

Loose Women's Denise Welch said: "My heart aches for my friend Brenda. I can't bear it. Jamal Edwards was a wonderful son and brother."

Bafta-winning actor writer, director, and producer Adam Deacon, known for his leading role in Kidulthood, said he was "heartbroken" about Edwards' death.

He said on Twitter: "Today I was on set when I found out the tragic news that my good friend Jamal Edwards had passed away and I'm honestly heartbroken.

"Jamal was one of the nicest, most down to earth and humble men I've met in this industry. He always gave me time even when no one else would.

"He was an inspiration and what he achieved in life was truly remarkable. Thinking of his friends and family at this devastating time. RIP Jamal Edwards."