Actor Daniel Kaluuya made the most of his time onstage at the Baftas Sunday as he paid tribute to the late music entrepreneur and DJ Jamal Edwards, Standard reports.
According to the report, London-born Kaluuya, 33, kicked off his presentation of the leading actress award by saying “Eternal life to Jamal Edwards”, before introducing the shortlist of awards hopefuls.
The outlet reports that Edwards died suddenly last month at the age of 31 after what his mother initially labelled a “short illness”, with stars from around the world paying tribute to his life and work.
In a statement, his mother, Loose Women star Brenda Edwards, said: “It is with the deepest heartache that I can confirm that my beautiful son Jamal Edwards passed away yesterday morning after a sudden illness.
“Myself, his sister Tanisha and the rest of his family and friends are completely devastated. He was the centre of our world.”
In the days following his death, it was then revealed that Edwards had died from a sudden heart attack.
During his life, he worked with artists such as Ed Sheeran, Jessie J, Lady Leshurr and Emeli Sande, and won an MBE in 2014 for his services to music.
He was also an ardent supporter of charity, setting up his own, Jamal Edwards Delve, to help those in need and was named an ambassador for the Prince’s Trust. After his death, Prince Charles wrote that “his work in music but also as an ambassador for a new generation, including his work for The Prince’s Trust, were an inspiration to so many.”
Viewers on social media were quick to show their praise for Kaluuya’s move.
