Rap star Dave paid an emotional tribute to Jamal Edwards during a concert at London’s O2 arena, telling fans he owes “every single thing” he has to the late the music entrepreneur.

The 23-year-old rapper paused his show at the 20,000-capacity venue on Monday night to deliver a poignant speech about Edwards, who died after a “sudden illness” last month aged 31.

Dave said the SBTV founder “just wanted to see every single person that he touched shine”.

A black and white image of Edwards was displayed on the arena screens, prompting applause from the crowd.

Read more: It all started in his bedroom: How SBTV founder Jamal Edwards changed the UK music scene

Dave said: “Jamal Edwards is the reason I’m standing in front of you guys here today.

“There’s so many different emotions that all of us feel – all of us that were so connected to him in so many different ways.

Jamal Edwards, music entrepreneur and YouTube star, dies aged 31

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“We all have a different experience of him but we all have so many things in common with the experience.”

Edwards was the founder of SBTV, an online urban music platform that helped artists such as Dave and Jessie J come to prominence.

Singer Ed Sheeran said Edwards was his “brother” and praised his generosity to other musicians, crediting him with his own vast professional success.

‘Jamal Edwards did it for free out of the love and kindness of his heart’

Dave, whose real name is David Omoregie, reflected on how Edwards had agreed to help him film a music video while Edwards was still a student at Richmond upon Thames College in Twickenham.

“He gave me an opportunity when no one would,” he told the audience.

“I did not have the money to pay for videos. Jamal Edwards did it for free out of the love and kindness of his heart.

“Every single thing that I have today – we have today – we owe to Jamal Edwards.

“As a scene, I want to say I’m so, so, so grateful for you, brother. Jamal, I love you, I love you, I love you.”

The show was among the first at the O2 after the venue was forced to close after Storm Eunice caused huge damage to the roof last month.

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