Home / Arts and Entertainment / MOBO Awards Founder Kanya King Dies at 57 After Cancer Battle
MOBO Awards Founder Kanya King Dies at 57 After Cancer Battle
5 Jun
Summary
- Kanya King, founder of MOBO Awards, has passed away at age 57.
- She was diagnosed with stage four bowel cancer in late 2024.
- King launched MOBO Awards in 1996, championing Black music and culture.
The UK music scene is mourning the loss of Kanya King CBE, the inspirational founder and CEO of the MOBO Awards, who died on June 3rd at the age of 57. Her passing comes after a courageous battle with stage four bowel cancer, a diagnosis she publicly shared in late 2024.
King's unwavering commitment to celebrating and legitimizing Black music and culture in the UK was evident from the MOBO Awards' inception in 1996. She launched the prestigious event after remortgaging her home, demonstrating remarkable resilience as a single mother without industry backing.
The MOBO organization praised King as a fearless champion whose vision shattered ceilings and opened doors for countless artists. Her legacy is imprinted on every artist who graced the MOBO stage, significantly amplifying the commercial and creative power of Black music. King's contributions were recognized with a CBE in 2018 and an Ivors Academy Honour in 2025.
