Kanya King was born to an Irish mother and a Ghanaian father in Kilburn, north London, on 12 February 1969.
By Kehinde Okeowo
British businesswoman and founder of the MOBO Awards, Kanya King, has passed away at the age of 57.
Her death was confirmed on Friday in an official statement shared on Instagram by the MOBO Organisation.
According to the statement, King, who was born to an Irish mother and a Ghanaian father in Kilburn, north London, died on 3 June 2026 after a prolonged battle with colon cancer.
The lengthy post read, in part: “It is with immeasurable sorrow that MOBO Organisation announces the passing of its Founder and CEO, Kanya King CBE, on 3 June 2026 after a courageous battle with colon cancer.”
Since her death, tributes have poured in from celebrities including TV host and Mis-Teeq singer Alesha Dixon, who called King an “incredible woman”, adding: “You helped so many people, your impact is immeasurable!”
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Stormzy posted heart and dove emojis, while Sir Idris Elba said she was gone “too soon”.
The Luther actor posted: “You inspired me. Your dedication is unmatched. I will miss you @kanyakingcbe, we will all miss you.”
Rapper Tinie Tempah told BBC Radio 5 Live she was “a national treasure” who “definitely took a huge risk” to set up the Mobos.
“She was an influential force within the UK music industry, a renegade to a certain extent, doing her own thing in the way she wanted to do it through all the adversity in the world,” he said. “But that’s why we have to celebrate her so much because it’s by no means an easy feat at all.”
London Mayor Sadiq Khan echoed his sentiments, calling King “a true pioneer” who “changed the face of culture and music”.
The MOBO Awards, which are also known as the Music of Black Origin Awards, is an annual British music awards programme founded in 1996 by King.
