The creation of the Music of Black Origin (MOBO) Awards in 1996 required Kanya King to remortgage her London home to finance a televised event within seven weeks. By securing a broadcast deal with Carlton Television following a chance meeting, she transformed a niche concept into a platform that amplified genres previously overlooked by mainstream British industry executives.
Early Development and Education
Born in Kilburn in 1969 to an Irish mother and Ghanaian father, King was the youngest of nine children. Her father passed away when she was thirteen. After becoming a mother at sixteen, she navigated the challenges of balancing parenthood with academic pursuits, eventually enrolling at Goldsmiths, University of London, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree.
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Take the IQ test →Establishing the MOBO Brand
Initially working as a television researcher, King identified a lack of representation for gospel, jazz, R&B, soul, reggae, and hip-hop. With the backing of industry figures such as Dej Mahoney and Keith Harris, she produced the inaugural awards ceremony at the Connaught Rooms. The venture expanded over the following decades to include the MOBO Fringe Festival, MOBO Unsung, and House of MOBO, marking three decades of operations by March 2026.
Public Recognition and Industry Impact
King received significant formal recognition for her contributions to culture and music. She was appointed an MBE in 1999 and later elevated to CBE in 2018. Her advocacy earned her multiple honorary doctorates, including those from London Metropolitan University, Leeds Metropolitan University, and SOAS University of London. In 2021, she received the special industry honour known as The Strat.
Final Years
In late 2024, King announced a diagnosis of stage IV bowel cancer. Despite the diagnosis, she maintained her professional presence, including an appearance at the 2026 MOBO awards where she was recognised on stage by Pharrell Williams. She died on 3 June 2026 at the age of 57. The MOBO organisation described her legacy as an act of cultural justice.
Fast facts
- Born: 12 February 1969, Kilburn
- Died: 3 June 2026, aged 57
- Founder: MOBO Awards (1996)
- Education: Goldsmiths, University of London
- Appointed MBE: 1999
- Appointed CBE: 2018
- Television appearance: Fortune - Million Pound Giveaway (2007)
- Nationality: United Kingdom
Questions readers ask
What inspired Kanya King to create the MOBO Awards?
She identified a lack of mainstream recognition for genres such as jazz, gospel, soul, reggae, and hip-hop while working as a television researcher.
How was the first MOBO Awards ceremony funded?
King remortgaged her house to raise the necessary capital to organise the event within a seven-week timeframe.
Achievements
- Member of the Order of the British Empire — 1999
- Commander of the Order of the British Empire — 2018
- Educated at Goldsmiths, University of London
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