MOBO Awards Founder Kanya King Dies Aged 57

LONDON: Kanya King, the founder of the MOBO (Music of Black Origin) Awards and one of the most influential figures in British music culture, has died at the age of 57 following a battle with colon cancer, the MOBO Organisation confirmed.

King died on June 3 surrounded by her family and close friends, according to statements released by the organisation. She had been diagnosed with stage four colon cancer in 2024 but continued to play an active role in the MOBO Awards and related cultural initiatives.

Born in Kilburn, north London, to a Ghanaian father and Irish mother, King founded the MOBO Awards in 1996 to recognise and elevate Black British and global music talent across genres including R&B, hip hop, grime, soul, jazz, and gospel. At the time, she faced widespread skepticism about the commercial viability of such a platform, but went on to establish one of the UK’s most prominent and enduring music award institutions.

Over nearly three decades, the MOBO Awards became a major cultural platform, showcasing artists such as Stormzy, Dave, Little Simz, Amy Winehouse, RAYE and So Solid Crew, and expanding beyond London to cities across the United Kingdom.

In tribute, the MOBO Organisation described King as “one of its most fearless champions,” crediting her with transforming the visibility and legitimacy of Black music within the British mainstream. Industry figures and artists have since paid tribute to her vision and determination.

King’s work extended beyond the awards themselves, including initiatives supporting emerging artists and creative industries, as well as efforts to broaden representation within music and entertainment. She was appointed a CBE in the 2018 Queen’s Birthday Honours for services to music and culture.

Her death marks the end of a defining era in British cultural life, with the MOBO Awards continuing as part of her lasting legacy in shaping the UK music landscape.