Kanya King, the founder of the Music Of Black Origin (OBO)Awards and a leading figure in Black British music, has died at the age of 57 after battling colon cancer.
The news was confirmed by the MOBO Organisation, which said King passed away on Wednesday following a determined fight against the illness.
Born in north London to a Ghanaian father and an Irish mother, King was working as a television researcher when she launched the MOBO Awards. The initiative was created to recognise Black British artists, many of whom received little attention at mainstream music award events.
The statement by Mobo Organisation continues, “The music world has lost one of its most fearless champions.”
“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.”
Idris Elba was among those paying tribute to her, saying:
“You inspired me. Your dedication is unmatched.”
She remortgaged her home to fund the first MOBO Awards in 1996. The event later grew into a major arena show. In recent years, it has honoured stars such as Stormzy, Dave and Olivia Dean.
Tributes have continued to come in from across the entertainment industry. Many praised her contribution to Black British music and her role in shaping its growth.
Beyond her awards, King was known for helping overlooked artists find their place in the industry. Her influence on British music and culture remains widely recognised.
