Kanya King, founder of the MOBO (Music of Black Origin) Awards and a pioneering figure in Black British music, has died at the age of 57 after battling colon cancer.
Her passing was confirmed by the MOBO Organisation, which revealed that she died on Wednesday following a determined fight against the illness.
Born in north London to a Ghanaian father and an Irish mother, King began her career as a television researcher before launching the MOBO Awards in 1996. The initiative was created to recognise and celebrate Black British artists, many of whom were overlooked by mainstream award platforms at the time.
In a statement, the MOBO Organisation described her as a trailblazer whose impact went far beyond music.
“The music world has lost one of its most fearless champions,” the statement read. “What Kanya created was never simply an awards ceremony. It was an act of cultural justice. MOBO did not just celebrate Black music; it legitimised it, amplified it, and demonstrated its commercial and creative power to a world that had too often chosen not to see it.”
King famously remortgaged her home to fund the first MOBO Awards ceremony, which went on to become one of the most influential platforms for Black music in the UK and beyond.
Over the years, the awards have honoured some of the biggest names in the industry, including Stormzy, Dave, and Olivia Dean, helping to elevate their profiles on a global stage.
Tributes have poured in from across the entertainment industry, with actor Idris Elba among those honouring her legacy. “You inspired me. Your dedication is unmatched,” he said.
Beyond the awards, King was widely recognised for her commitment to supporting underrepresented artists and creating opportunities within the music industry.
Her influence on British music and culture remains profound, and her legacy as a champion of Black creativity and talent will continue to resonate for generations to come.
