Kanya King, the British entrepreneur who founded the MOBO Awards and reshaped the recognition of Black music in the United Kingdom, has died at the age of 57. The MOBO Organisation confirmed her passing on 3 June 2026, following a battle with stage four colon cancer that she had disclosed in 2024.
King launched the Music Of Black Origin awards in 1996, at a time when the British music industry largely dismissed Black artists as a niche market. From her beginnings as a single mother living on a council estate in Kilburn, north-west London, she built a platform that would go on to celebrate artists across hip-hop, grime, R&B, soul, jazz, and pop. The first ceremony was broadcast to the nation just six weeks after she began, and it quickly became a fixture in the UK cultural calendar.
Over three decades, the MOBOs honoured a generation of musicians who defined contemporary British music: from Goldie and Gabrielle in the early years to Ms Dynamite, Craig David, and Amy Winehouse, and later Stormzy, Little Simz, RAYE, and Central Cee. The organisation’s statement noted that King “did not just celebrate Black music; it legitimised it, amplified it and transformed the cultural landscape of the UK.”
A Legacy of Breaking Barriers
King’s impact extended far beyond the awards ceremony itself. She was awarded a CBE in 2022 for services to music and culture, and her work helped open doors for artists who had long been underrepresented in mainstream media. The MOBO Organisation described her as “one of its most fearless champions,” adding that she had been told Black music was “too niche” and that “the industry was not interested.” Her response, the statement said, was to build rather than argue.
Tributes poured in from across the political and cultural spectrum. London Mayor Sadiq Khan called King “a true pioneer” who “changed the face of culture and music.” Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said she “changed British music for the better through the MOBO Awards.” Actor Idris Elba, who had long supported the awards, posted that King was gone “too soon,” adding: “You inspired me. Your dedication is unmatched.”
Musicians also paid their respects. Stormzy shared heart and dove emojis on social media. Alesha Dixon, formerly of Mis-Teeq, described King as an “incredible woman” whose “impact is immeasurable.” JLS singer Oritsé Williams called her “a pioneer” who “created a powerful platform that championed cultures, communities and talent that were often unseen and underrepresented.” He added: “You didn't just create opportunities; you created belief. Belief in our culture, our creativity and our potential.”
King’s death comes at a time when the conversation around diversity in European music and media remains urgent. Her work in the UK has parallels across the continent, where similar initiatives have sought to elevate Black and minority artists. The MOBO Awards themselves have inspired events in other European countries, though none have matched the longevity or influence of King’s creation.
In recent years, King had also expanded the MOBO brand into digital content and live events, ensuring its relevance for a new generation. Her diagnosis in 2024 did not slow her public engagement; she continued to advocate for cancer awareness and early detection, drawing on her own experience to encourage others.
The MOBO Organisation concluded its statement by noting that King died “peacefully after a courageous and characteristically determined battle with colon cancer.” It added that her legacy would endure through the artists she championed and the cultural shift she helped bring about.
For those who knew her, King’s story is one of resilience and vision. As Oritsé Williams put it: “You are an icon, a true visionary, I trust and believe that your impact will be felt for generations to come.”
