Kanya King CBE, founder and CEO of the MOBO Awards, has died at the age of 57.
The news was announced today (5th June) in an official statement from the MOBO organisation: “Kanya passed away peacefully on 3rd June 2026 after a courageous and characteristically determined battle with colon cancer. She was surrounded by her family, close friends and love. The music world has lost one of its most fearless champions.”
King worked tirelessly to support the work of Black musicians and, in 1996, used her own money to establish the first Music of Black Origin (MOBO) Awards while working as a television researcher. As per the MOBO’s statement, she remortgaged her home to fund the initiative, launching it “without institutional backing” and “without industry support.”
Since their launch, the MOBO Awards have recognised and celebrated the work of artists including Stormzy, Little Simz, Sade, Amy Winehouse, Central Cee, Olivia Dean, Kano, Ms. Dynamite, and many more.
“What Kanya created was never simply an awards ceremony. It was an act of cultural justice,” the MOBO organisation’s statement continued. “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.”
The 2026 awards show, which took place in March and marked the MOBO’s 30th anniversary, will be dedicated to her memory, the organisation said.
In their own statement, King’s family shared: “She faced every moment of her illness as she faced every moment of her life: with courage, with faith, with humour, and with an absolute refusal to be diminished.”
They added that she gave “an entire generation of Black British artists the right to be seen, to be celebrated, and to be heard on their own terms”.
A number of people have paid tribute to King following the news of her passing. Sir Idris Elba shared on Instagram: “You inspired me. Your dedication is unmatched. I will miss you Kanya King, we will all miss you.”
Alesha Dixon added: “You helped so many people, your impact is immeasurable!”
London mayor Sadiq Khan said: “Kanya King was a true pioneer. She changed the face of culture and music – opening doors and creating opportunities for so many others. Her legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.”
Culture secretary Lisa Nandy also paid tribute on X, writing: “She was a real pioneer who changed British music for the better through the MOBO Awards. She opened doors for so many and leaves behind an extraordinary legacy.”
