MOBO Awards Founder Kanya King Dies at 57
Kanya King, the founder of the MOBO Awards, has died at the age of 57 after battling colon cancer.
The MOBO Organisation confirmed the sad news in a statement on Instagram, revealing that King died on June 3, 2026.
> It is with immeasurable sorrow that MOBO Organisation announces the passing of its Founder and CEO, Kanya King CBE, on 3 June 2026 after a courageous battle with colon cancer.
King founded the Music of Black Origin Awards, popularly known as the MOBO Awards, in 1996. She went on to build one of the United Kingdom’s most influential platforms celebrating Black music and culture.
King entered the world on February 12, 1969, in Kilburn, north London, to an Irish mother and a Ghanaian father.
Through her work, she helped shine a spotlight on generations of artistes and opened doors for Black talent across the music industry.
Following news of her death, fans and industry figures have continued to pay tribute to her achievements and lasting influence.
King leaves behind a powerful legacy that transformed British music and helped shape the careers of countless artistes over the last three decades.
