The music industry is mourning the passing of Kanya King CBE, founder and CEO of the MOBO Organisation, who died peacefully on 3 June 2026 after a battle with colon cancer.
For 30 years, Kanya King was one of the leading voices pushing Black music and culture forward in Britain. Through MOBO, she created a platform for artists who were often overlooked by the mainstream music industry, opening doors and changing how Black music was seen and celebrated.
Reports about her journey have often highlighted how she remortgaged her home to fund the first MOBO Awards in 1996 after receiving little support from the wider industry. Just six weeks later, the ceremony was broadcast across the country. It was a decision that showed how deeply she believed in creating a space where Black music and its artists could be seen, heard and properly celebrated.
What began as an idea grew into one of the biggest celebrations of music of Black origin, recognising Gospel, R&B, Hip Hop, Soul, Reggae, Jazz, Afrobeats and more.
One beautiful thing about the MOBO Awards was that the spotlight did not stop with mainstream music. Gospel was given its own place from the very first ceremony in 1996, with British gospel group New Colours becoming the first winner of the Best Gospel Act award.
That gave Christian and Gospel artists a major national platform and showed that Gospel music was also an important part of Black British music and culture.
Over the years, the category has celebrated artists including Guvna B, Faith Child, CalledOut Music, Still Shadey, Annatoria, Limoblaze and many others, bringing their music before audiences beyond the Church.
Another historic moment came at the 2026 MOBO Awards when 19-year-old Christian rapper DC3 became the first Gospel and Christian artist to win Best Newcomer, an award that had always been dominated by mainstream artists.
He also won Best Gospel Act on the same night, becoming the first artist to win both awards in the same year. It was a major moment for UK Christian and Gospel music and showed how much the genre had grown on the platform Kanya King created.
Even while facing her own health challenges, Kanya King remained determined and continued to lead.
Speaking at the MOBO Awards in Newcastle in February 2025, she said:
“I never allowed someone to define my limits. Not in life. Not in business. And I’m certainly not going to have that happen now.”
That statement reflected the determination she carried throughout her life.
Her work earned her several honours, including a CBE and an Ivors Academy Honour in 2025, but her impact goes far beyond the awards she received. Her legacy can be seen in the many artists and creatives who were given a chance because she refused to accept that Black music was too niche or did not have an audience.
The MOBO Organisation has said its 30th anniversary year will be dedicated to Kanya King’s memory, with her legacy remaining at the heart of everything the platform continues to represent.
Kanya King did not just create an awards ceremony. She created a platform that gave many artists a place to be seen, heard and celebrated.
Her impact on British music, including the Christian and Gospel music community, will not be forgotten.
Our thoughts and prayers are with her family, friends and everyone at the MOBO Organisation.
Rest in peace, Kanya King CBE.
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Source: astepfwd.com
Original article: Pioneering MOBO Awards Founder Kanya King CBE Dies Aged 57