Jamal Edwards: ‘The Rose That Grew From The Concrete’
 'Did you hear about the rose that grew from a crack in the concrete?' No, because that's impossible right, but this provides a perfect analogy for the rise and success of Jamal Edwards; the founder of SB TV.

Jamal Edwards was a young, ambitious boy from a council estate in West London, who had big dreams and a video camera he adored. With his ambition and his camera,  Jamal went from filming his friends rapping, to becoming a media mogul and filming megastars such as; Rihanna, Justin Bieber and Drake.

At the age of 22, Edwards has an estimated fortune of up to £8m and his youth broadcasting channel, SB TV has reached over 150 million views on YouTube. Edwards has been a pioneer in providing a platform for up and coming talent, and creating exposure for the UK underground music scene.

'Turn adversity into ambition, now blossom into wealth' - Tupac Shakur

I wake up most days, routinely making my way to lectures at the University of Sussex, where I study Psychology with Neuroscience. Everyday I should pat myself on my back, but sometimes I usually forget  to and desperately muster up enough energy to arise from my slumbers to make my 9 am (although unsuccessful sometimes.) Most will relate to the latter of the previous statement, but you may ask why must I pat myself on the back ?

It is a great achievement to get into university, a process which requires much determination, hard work and drive. Whilst trying to achieve great things, we are sure to encounter various obstacles along the way, many which you and I are familiar with; some psychological, emotional and environmental. Obstacles keen to make us detour from our path to greatness, stifle our progress and dampen our dreams.

Similarly to Edwards, I originate from a working-class family and grew up in a council estate in South East London, an area notorious for its high crime rate. I find bundles of inspiration in Jamal Edward's success story. I am a strong believer that with the right people around you and the correct vision and mentality, such environmental factors cease to hold you down.

Unfortunately, I look to some of my peers and many have allowed these obstacles to block their paths and throw them off course, and all too often these obstacles also dare to dampen my own dreams. Many a time we fall victim to low self-esteem, lack of motivation and feeling a lingering sense of no direction. In such circumstances, I must stress the importance of having the right people around you, having role models to inspire, motivate and invigorate you.  Role models such as; older siblings, parents, peers, sports figures, artists, teachers, singers who are chasing their dreams or inspiring others to chase their own.

It is the connections we find between people that really drives humanity and when one can see themselves in another person who has defied their self-doubts, circumstances and other obstacles, it really does spark aspiration, self-belief and a drive for success. You are reassured that you too can be a rose that has grown from a crack in the concrete, and it is organisations like Success Talks which strive to push your blossoming.

Although Edwards has worked alongside some of the world's biggest stars, he never forgets his humble beginnings and is willing to go back into the community to help other young people fulfill their dreams and aspirations. Jamal Edwards is a role model for all, showing that one can overcome their obstacles, and use their ambition to overcome adversity.
Success Talks through Jamal Edwards.
 Be Inspired. Be the rose that grew from the concrete.