Actor Daniel Kaluuya made the most of his time onstage at the Baftas yesterday as he paid tribute to the late music entrepreneur and DJ Jamal Edwards.
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.
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.
“#BAFTAs Daniel Kaluya looking fly AF & before he presented the award he said, ‘eternal life to Jamal Edwards’”, one said, while another called it a “great shout out”.
Another said: “Daniel Kaluuya keeping the late Jamal Edwards’ name alive is a great example of why it’s Wakanda forever #BAFTAs.”
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The leading actress award was ultimately won by Joanna Scanlan for her performance in the Aleem Khan-directed indie film After Love – beating Lady Gaga, Emilia Jones, Alana Haim, Tessa Thompson and Renate Reinsve to the gong.
“Oh come on! Some stories have surprise endings, don’t they?” she said, before thanking the Baftas for the award in Welsh.
