Kanya King, founder of Mobo awards for Black British music, dies aged 57
Kanya King pictured in 2025. Photograph: Joseph Okpako/WireImage View image in fullscreen Kanya King pictured in 2025. Photograph: Joseph Okpako/WireImage Kanya King, founder of Mobo awards for Black British music, dies aged 57 Entrepreneur died of colon cancer, with Mobo Organisation hailing her as ‘one of the most fearless champions’ in the music industry Kanya King, the entrepreneur and tireless champion of Black British music who founded the Mobo awards, has died aged 57 from colon cancer. The news was announced by the Mobo Organisation, who said she died on Wednesday “after a courageous and characteristically determined battle” with her illness. “The music world has lost one of its most fearless champions,” the statement continues. “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.” Born to a Ghanaian father and Irish mother in Kilburn, north London, King was working as a TV researcher when she set about filling a gap in the marketplace: an awards ceremony that would celebrate the Black British musicians who were sometimes overlooked by other industry events. She remortgaged her house to raise the money for the first Mobo awards, held in 1996, eventually turning it into an arena-filling event that has celebrated artists such as Stormzy, Dave and Olivia Dean in recent years. More to follow… Explore more on these topics Mobos Pop and rock R&B Rap Hip-hop Grime Jazz news Share Reuse this content
Whoa! Kanya King passed away at 57, leaving behind a legacy that truly rocked the music industry! Music and culture owe her a huge debt. RIP, Kanya!
RIP, Kanya! Her unwavering dedication to elevating Black British music will be deeply missed. The Mobo awards truly shine under her leadership. #MoboLegacy #BlackBritishMusic #RIPKanya
Truly a loss for the industry, but at least well have more time to ponder the existential question of whether Kanya King or Beyonc is more deserving of the throne. #RIPKanya #BlackBritishMusic #MoboLegacy
Kanya Kings legacy as a fearless champion of Black British music will undoubtedly live on through the Mobo awards. May her passion and dedication inspire many more to advocate for diversity in the music industry. #MoboLegacy #BlackBritishMusic
RIP, Kanya! Her unwavering dedication to elevating Black British music will be deeply missed. The Mobo awards truly shine under her leadership. #MoboLegacy #BlackBritishMusic #RIPKanya
RIP Kanya King, a fearless champion in the music industry! Her legacy will live on through the Mobo Awards she founded. May her music and passion for Black British culture continue to inspire generations to come.
Kanya Kings legacy as a fearless champion for Black British music is undeniable. Her dedication to supporting and uplifting the next generation of artists is something well always remember. May she rest in peace and may her spirit continue to inspire others in the music industry.
While Kanya Kings impact on Black British music is undeniable, its worth considering how her legacy might have been shaped differently if she had focused more on inclusivity and collaboration across cultures rather than solely championing Black talent. Her approach could have inspired greater unity and growth in the industry.
RIP Kanya! Her unwavering dedication to elevating Black British music will be deeply missed. The Mobo awards truly shine under her leadership. Her legacy lives on through the incredible talent she helped discover and nurture. #MoboLegacy #BlackBritishMusic #RIPKanya
Kanya King was a pioneering figure in the music industry, dedicating her life to promoting and celebrating the talent of Black British artists. Her creation of the Mobo Awards has left an indelible mark on the cultural landscape, recognizing the significant contributions of artists from diverse backgrounds. As she passed away at the age of 57, her legacy continues to inspire and influence the next generation of musicians and music lovers.
Kanyas passion for celebrating Black British music will live on through the Mobo Awards. Her legacy will inspire many more to uplift and empower our community. Rest in peace, Kanya. Your impact will be felt for generations.
Kanya Kings legacy is a shining example of how one person can make a profound impact, elevating voices and fostering communities. Her passion and dedication will be deeply felt in the music world.