Founder and CEO of the MOBOs Kanya King has died aged 57

The founder and CEO of the MOBO Awards, Kanya King, has died aged 57.

The MOBO Awards confirmed that its founder died following a battle with colon cancer on Wednesday, June 3, writing in a statement: “It is with immeasurable sorrow that the MOBO Organisation announces the passing of its Founder and CEO, Kanya King CBE.”

“Kanya passed away peacefully after a courageous and characteristically determined battle with colon cancer,” the statement continues. “She was surrounded by her family, close friends and love. The music world has lost one of its most fearless champions.”

Across three decades, the London-born entrepreneur and campaigner helped to not only amplify Black British music, but to demonstrate its commercial and creative power.

A single mother at just 16, King was living on a council estate in Kilburn, London when she established the Music of Black Origin Awards, with the first ceremony held at London’s Connaught Rooms, and broadcast on Carlton Television in 1996. King was awarded an MBE for her work in establishing the MOBOs in 1999, which was later upgraded to a CBE in 2018.

The MOBOs have put a spotlight on Black British artists and music of Black origin, with awardees including Olivia Dean, Stormzy, Little Simz, RAYE, Craig David, Soul II Soul, Ms. Dynamite, So Solid Crew, Krept & Konan, Kano, Amy Winehouse and Sade.

In 2024, King confirmed that she had been diagnosed with colon cancer, writing a statement: "While this journey will undoubtedly be challenging, I've always believed in finding meaning through adversity.”

"This diagnosis isn't the end of my story—it's a chance to inspire resilience, raise awareness, use this moment to not only fight my own battle but to amplify the message of early detection and the importance of proactively taking charge of your health. If my story can save just one life, then it's a story worth telling."

Megan Townsend is Mixmag's Deputy Editor, get in touch with her here.