Staying ahead of the game

“Anyone can be a success on YouTube – just as long as they have a good idea and know how to capitalise on it.”

SB.TV founder and MBE Jamal (SmokeyBarz) Edwards took time out to share his musical journey with the AKQA team and clients. In 2006, 16-year-old Jamal spotted a gap in the market and began posting grime videos to YouTube – launching a media platform that now has more than .5 million subscribers and over 250 million views.

For Jamal, success has grown from a positive work-life balance. He’s also learned how to deal with – and overcome – rejection, while staying close to his west London roots and ahead of the next big thing.