LAGOS, Nigeria(VOICE OF NAIJA)- Trailblazing founder of the MOBO Awards Kanya King, who helped transform the recognition of Black music in Britain, has died at the age of 57 following a battle with colon cancer.
The MOBO Organization announced her passing in a statement shared on Instagram, revealing that she died on June 3, 2026, after battling colon cancer.
“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,” the organisation wrote.
King championed Black music for nearly three decades and was widely celebrated for creating the Music of Black Origin (MOBO) Awards in 1996, a platform dedicated to recognizing and promoting Black music and talent in the United Kingdom and beyond.
Born on February 12, 1969, in Kilburn, North London, to an Irish mother and a Ghanaian father, King overcame numerous obstacles to build one of the most influential music award platforms in the world.
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Determined to create opportunities for underrepresented artists, she personally financed the first MOBO Awards ceremony.
Her bold vision eventually grew into a globally recognized institution that helped launch careers, celebrate excellence, and challenge barriers within the music industry.
Over the years, the awards became a major force in spotlighting Black artists across genres, earning respect for their role in shaping the cultural landscape of British music.
King’s journey was also seen as a story of resilience and determination.
Despite becoming a teenage mother and leaving school at a young age, she successfully broke into an industry largely dominated by white male executives and built a legacy that inspired countless creatives and entrepreneurs.
Following the announcement of her death, tributes poured in from across the entertainment world.
Musicians, actors, producers, executives, and fans have continued to honor her contributions to music, culture, and diversity.
Her impact extends far beyond the awards she created.
Through her work, Kanya King opened doors for generations of artists and helped ensure that Black music received the recognition it deserved on some of the industry’s biggest stages.
