Kanya King , MBE, founder and chief executive of the MOBOs awards, has died aged 57, the organisation has confirmed.
A press release from MOBO (Music of Black Origin) stated that King "passed away peacefully after a courageous and, as always, determined battle with colon cancer" on Wednesday (June 3). They added that she was "surrounded by family, close friends, and love.".
More news from Billboard
-
30th Anniversary of the MOBO Awards: Celebrating the Role of African-American Music at the 'Center of World Culture'«
-
Yung Miami joked about Drake ignoring him in chat: "Seriously!"«
-
Why Eric Andre Made a (Surprisingly Good) Classical Music Album
King co-founded the MOBO Awards, which celebrated its landmark 30th anniversary in 2026. The event, which celebrated African-American music both nationally and globally, was held annually and featured Olivia Dean and FLO in 2026.
Over the years, stars such as Stormzy, Amy Winehouse, 50 Cent, Sade, Central Cee and many more have received awards from MOBO, while Rihanna (2006), Lauryn Hill (2005) and Destiny's Child (1999) have performed at the event.
«"What Kanya created was never just an awards show," the statement read. "It was an act of cultural justice. MOBO didn't just celebrate Black music; it legitimized it, amplified it, and showcased its commercial and creative power to a world that had too often chosen to ignore it.".
In 2024, King announced she had been diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer. At the MOBO Awards in February 2025, King said, "I've never let anyone define my boundaries. Not in life, not in business. And I certainly won't let that happen now.".
King was born in 1969 in Kilburn, north London, to a Ghanaian father and an Irish mother. She was working as a television researcher when, in 1996, she co-founded the MOBO Awards with Andy Ruffell.
In an interview in March Billboard UK She stated that at the time, "there was no real infrastructure or clear pathways for Black music to thrive. Institutional recognition was virtually nonexistent." King remortgaged her home to pay for the awards ceremony, which was attended by Tony Blair, later elected British Prime Minister.
Over the years, the MOBO Awards have spearheaded and responded to the development of the British music scene, including garage music and grime. "We've helped artists move from the underground to the mainstream and from local to global," King said in an interview. Billboard UK. «"We've validated the importance of genres that were sometimes overlooked. Whether it's early British R&B, garage and grime, or Afrobeat, the MOBO Awards have often given artists their first national platform at a time when others haven't.".
The MOBO Awards have also launched a number of social initiatives aimed at empowering Black creatives. For example, earlier this year, the "MOBO House" was established as a space "where people can come together to celebrate, collaborate, and create.".
In 1999, King was awarded the Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) and in 2018 the Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE).
«"The world is a much better place because of Kanye King," the statement read. "The MOBO family is deeply saddened, but at the same time, immensely grateful, proud, and inspired by all she gave to music, culture, and the generations that will follow in her footsteps.".
King is survived by a son, Jem.
Billboard's Best
-
Janet Jackson's Biggest Hits on the Billboard Hot 100
-
Chart Review: In 1996, Mariah Carey's "Baby" soared to number one on the Hot 100 chart.
-
Chart Review: In 1989, New Kids on the Block hit number one on the charts with "Hangin' Tough.".
Subscribe to the Billboard newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.