Kanya King CBE, one of the UK music industry’s most loved and respected figures, whose life’s work was dedicated to uplifting Black music talent, has sadly died at the age of 57.
The pioneering founder of the MOBO Awards and avid champion of Black British music culture has passed away after a two-year battle with colon cancer. Her death was announced by the MOBO Organisation, which said she passed away peacefully on June 3, 2026, “surrounded by family and close friends” after a “courageous and characteristically determined” fight against the disease. In 2024, Kanya had revealed that she had been diagnosed with stage four bowel cancer, and she used her platform to raise awareness about the importance of early detection and screening.
Best known for founding the MOBO Awards in 1996, she created a groundbreaking platform celebrating Black music and culture here in the UK. At a time when many Black artists struggled for recognition at mainstream award ceremonies, she helped to shine a spotlight on genres including R&B, hip-hop, grime, garage, soul and D&B. Her tunnel vision transformed the British music landscape and opened doors for generations of artists.
I personally worked with Kanya King for close to a decade, sitting on the MOBO Awards committee and collaborating on MOBO-related projects. She was always full of life and passionate about her work—which centred on platforming artists from the Black diaspora. She will be greatly missed by us all.
Born in Kilburn, North-West London, to a Ghanaian father and Irish mother, Kanya began her career as a television researcher before launching the MOBOs. She famously remortgaged her house to fund the first ceremony, demonstrating the determination that would fuel her success. The event grew into one of the most influential music awards in Britain, helping to elevate acts such as Craig David, Ms. Dynamite and So Solid Crew, through to Dave, Stormzy and Little Simz. Her legacy will indeed live on.
Kanya King, may your soul rest in peace.
