Kanya King dead: Music legend dies aged 57 after heartbreaking cancer battle
Tributes are pouring in following the devastating news.
Kanya King, the founder of the Mobo Awards, has passed away at the age of 57 following “a courageous and characteristically determined battle with colon cancer". The Mobo organisation confirmed the sad news today, stating Kanya died peacefully on Wednesday (June 3) afternoon, surrounded by her family and close friends.
The organisation's statement read: “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.”
The music legend was born in Kilburn, north London, to a Ghanaian father and an Irish mother, and was working as a television researcher when she came up with the idea of launching an awards ceremony to celebrate black British musicians.
Kanya even remortgaged her home to raise the funds for the inaugural Mobo Awards, which were held back in 1996. As the years went on, the awards grew larger and larger, with acclaimed stars such as Olivia Dean, Dave and Stormzy being celebrated in recent times.
The businesswoman announced she was diagnosed with stage four cancer in December 2024 on the same evening she was given a lifetime achievement award for her work.
She said at the time cancer "was something I never saw coming and I am still processing this unexpected reality".
Tributes have been flooding in following Kanya's death, with one fan writing on X: "I am so very sorry to hear this news. Trailblazing, tenacious and truly talented. And a joy to interview throughout the years. Remembering Kanya King CBE. My heartfelt condolences to Kanya’s family, friends and to the @MOBOAwards team at this sad time. RIP."
BBC journalist Greg McKenzie wrote: "Deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Kanya King CBE. Nearly 20 years ago, while covering the MOBO Awards for Channel 5 News and later for BBC News, I had the privilege of meeting Kanya and spending time with her on several occasions. She was a visionary who transformed British music and culture, creating opportunities and recognition for countless artists who may otherwise have gone unheard."
Another shared: "RIP Kanya King. A real trailblazer right to the very end. What a life she lived and an impact she made."
Meanwhile, a fourth penned: "MOBO founder Kanya King, 57, has passed away peacefully after her battle with colon cancer, surrounded by family and friends. Rest in peace. A true pioneer in music and business. Condolences to her loved ones."
