Kanya King, the founder and CEO of the MOBO organisation, has died at the age of 57 following a battle with colon cancer. She passed away peacefully on 3 June 2026, surrounded by her family and close friends, according to a statement from the organisation.
King launched the MOBO Awards in 1996 to celebrate black talent in the entertainment industry, remortgaging her home to fund the venture after being told that Black music was 'too niche'. The first ceremony was broadcast six weeks later, and the event has since become a major platform for artists including Stormzy, Amy Winehouse, and Central Cee.
Tributes have been paid by figures including Alesha Dixon, who called King an 'incredible woman', and Sir Idris Elba, who said she was gone 'too soon'. London Mayor Sadiq Khan described her as 'a true pioneer' who 'changed the face of culture and music'.
King was awarded a CBE and received an Ivors Academy Honour in 2025. She announced her stage four bowel cancer diagnosis in December 2024, saying she wanted to use her experience to raise awareness about early detection. The 2026 MOBO Awards, marking the organisation's 30th anniversary, will be dedicated to her memory.
