Mobo Awards founder Kanya King dies at 57

Kanya King, founder of the Mobo Awards, died on Wednesday at age 57 after a battle with colon cancer, the Mobo Organisation said. King funded the first awards ceremony from her own pocket in 1996 to recognize music of black origin. Over three decades the event grew into a televised ceremony that featured artists including Craig David, Amy Winehouse, and Stormzy.

Early life and career King grew up as the youngest of nine children in a council flat in Kilburn, north London. She left school at 16 after the birth of her son and later studied English literature at Goldsmiths College. While working as a television researcher, she identified a gap for an awards show focused on black music.

She told Music Week in 2021 that she had been told she had "a chip on her shoulder" for discussing race.

Tributes from industry figures

“You inspired me. Your dedication is unmatched.”

" Stormzy posted heart and dove emojis. JLS member Oritsé Williams described her as a pioneer who created belief in underrepresented talent. London Mayor Sadiq Khan called King a "true pioneer" who changed the face of culture and music. Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said she changed British music for the better through the Mobo Awards.

Challenges and growth The awards faced early rejections and, in 2002, negative coverage after an unaffiliated after-party led sponsors to withdraw. King remortgaged her home to keep the event running. The ceremony moved outside London for the first time in 2009. It has recognized genres including UK garage, grime, R&B, and Afrobeat.