Mobo Awards founder Kanya King has passed away at the age of 57, it has been announced. The tireless entrepreneur, who was a huge champion of Black British music, died after "a courageous and characteristically determined" battle with colon cancer.
"The music world has lost one of its most fearless champions," a statement from the Mobo Organisation reads.
"What Kanya created was never simply an awards ceremony. It was an act of cultural justice. 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."
King founded the Mobo (Music of Black Origin) Awards while working as a TV researcher, noticing a gap in the market in an industry that often overlooked Black British talent. She even remortgaged her house to help get the first ceremony off the ground in 1996.
The awards have since grown and become a central event in British cultural life, showcasing stars such as Stormzy, Olivia Dean, Little Simz, Craig David and Raye over the years. King was awarded an MBE in 1999 and later a CBE in 2018 for her work.
She confirmed in 2024 that she had been diagnosed with stage four bowel cancer, saying at the time that she had "always believed in finding meaning through adversity".
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"The world was a profoundly better place with Kanya King in it," the Mobos added in their statement. "The Mobo family is heartbroken, but also endlessly grateful, proud and inspired by everything she gave to music, culture and the generations who will follow in her footsteps. Rest in power, Kanya. You built this. All of it."
Since the sad news broke, tributes have flooded in, with Britain's Got Talent and Mis-Teeq's Alesha Dixon writing on the Mobos' official Instagram tribute: "Devastated to hear this news! Gone too soon! Forever grateful and in awe of you and your fight! One of the strongest people I’ve ever known! You are a true example to us all! Will love you forever! Thank you for everything! Rest well my friend."
"Queen built a whole legacy for us. Rest Well," added comedian Judi Love in the comments, while artist Krept said: "RIP Kanya a true legend."
Meanwhile, Stormzy further shared a tribute with heart and peace dove emojis, and George the Poet wrote: "A giant. God rest her soul."
"Kanya was a massive supporter of me and JLS," singer Marvin Humes recalled. "She was an amazing woman who created an unmatchable legacy. Will hold fond memories of her. RIP to an icon."
Sugababes' Mutya Buena added: "RIP thank you for the amazing memories, you will always be remembered as the queen that you are."
If you would like more information or support about living with cancer or treatment, please click here for guidance from Macmillan Cancer Support, or click here to learn more from Stand Up to Cancer.
Sam is a freelance reporter and sub-editor who has a particular interest in movies, TV and music. After completing a journalism Masters at City University, London, Sam joined Digital Spy as a reporter, and has also freelanced for publications such as NME and Screen International. Sam, who also has a degree in Film, can wax lyrical about everything from Lord of the Rings to Love Is Blind, and is equally in his element crossing every 't' and dotting every 'i' as a sub-editor.
