Welcome to Jamal’s House – day two of Soho House Festival was a soulful celebration

‘I could see how much his face lit up around filming and music, and the rappers on the estate; it showed me it was his passion,’ remembers Brenda Edwards of her son Jamal who most people know as a pivotal figure in the UK music industry. For Jamal’s 15th birthday, she had given him a video camera – a truly life-altering gift. Jamal went on to found SB.TV, his YouTube platform, which over the years has gathered more than a million subscribers and propelled the careers of heavyweights such as Ed Sheeran, Jessie J, Skepta, and Stormzy. 

Jamal Edwards tragically passed away in February this year, and the Saturday edition of Soho House Festival (which we renamed Jamal’s House Festival) is held in his honour. Thanks to a collaboration with The Jamal Edwards Self Belief Trust, set up by his mother Brenda and sister Tanisha, this is a great chance to fulfil the mission Jamal believed in most – helping the young generation to thrive and support the ones in need. 
 
Jamal was passionate about helping those who might not have had the nurturing environment that he was lucky to grow up in – every year, he volunteered in a young people’s homeless shelter, listening to stories and trying to help them on their journeys. Jamal was also a member of Soho House’s Under 27 Committee and a central member of the Soho House Advisory Board. He knew that not everyone is born equally privileged, but everyone deserves a chance to shine.  
 
This Saturday, musical greats – including Fatboy Slim, Bastille, Jessie J, Lady Leshurr, surprise guest Enny, who stormed the stage with Shaé Universe, and DJ Trevor Nelson – came together at the special request of Brenda to celebrate the life and legacy of an extraordinary young man. Working together with The Jamal Edwards Self Belief Trust and SB.TV, we made sure that above all this day felt like a fitting tribute – with incredible energy, music, and Patrón flowing. 
 
On a gloriously sunny day, more than 5,000 people gathered together at west London’s Gunnersbury Park – in Jamal’s hometown of Acton. A few were lucky enough to meet Jamal’s mother Brenda and The Jamal Edwards Self Belief Trust team at their dedicated tent and get involved with the fundraiser, which you can take part in until Monday evening, even if you were not at the festival.

Continuing on from a comeback to remember this Thursday, Saturday reminded us why Soho House Festival has been one of London’s main cultural fixtures for more than a decade. With over 60 feet-long barbecue tables, Patrón Palomas and dangerously powerful Long Margaritas, it felt like a quintessential summer’s day – making you feel alive and optimistic for what’s yet to come. 
 
We don’t always take ourselves too seriously – one has to crack a Picante-themed joke sometimes, especially if you’re in the middle of a field in 27-degree heat trying to balance three drinks. It’s been two years since we’ve been able to come together for Soho House Festival, but on Saturday we were reminded what’s at the heart of it all: the people. It’s the chemistry that happens in these spaces, it’s the conversations, opportunities, encounters – and the fact that thanks to people like Jamal, it creates a true community spirit.

As the day drew to a close, we raised another glass to this. 

Watch the highlights show live on Sunday at 6pm GMT on our YouTube channel HERE.