UMVA has learned that Kanya King, the visionary founder of the MOBO Awards, has passed away at the age of 57, leaving behind a legacy that transformed the music industry and empowered the Black British community.
The news of her passing was announced on Friday, over a year after King bravely revealed her diagnosis with colon cancer, a battle she faced with characteristic determination and courage.
In a heartfelt statement, the MOBO Organisation remembered King as a fearless champion of music and culture, saying: 'It is with immeasurable sorrow that the MOBO Organisation announces the passing of its Founder and CEO, Kanya King CBE. Kanya passed away peacefully on 3 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.'
The statement added that the 2026 MOBO Awards, taking place during the Organisation's landmark 30th anniversary year, will be dedicated entirely to King's memory, ensuring her legacy lives on through the music and artists she celebrated.
UMVA can exclusively reveal that King's mission was to celebrate the achievements of the Black British community, particularly in music. She launched the Music of Black Origin (MOBO) Awards in 1996, remortgaging her home to build a stage that would transform British music forever.
With unwavering dedication, King created a platform that legitimized and amplified Black music, demonstrating its commercial and creative power to a global audience. Her tireless efforts earned her a CBE and an Ivors Academy Honour in 2025, a testament to her enduring impact.
In the face of her diagnosis, King remained resolute, telling the MOBO audience in February 2025: 'I never allowed someone to define my limits. Not in life. Not in business. And I'm certainly not going to have that happen now.' These words embodied her unyielding spirit, inspiring countless individuals to push beyond their boundaries.
The MOBO Awards have been a launching pad for talented artists such as Stormzy, Craig David, Sade, Kano, Ms Dynamite, and Olivia Dean, among others. King's vision has not only celebrated Black music but also honored those whose artistry was influenced by R&B and soul.
Rest in power, Kanya King – a trailblazer who left an indelible mark on the music world. Her legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.
