King reportedly passed away on June 3, 2026, following a courageous battle with colon cancer, bringing to an end a remarkable career that transformed the landscape of Black music recognition in the United Kingdom and beyond.
The announcement was made by the MOBO Organisation in an emotional statement shared on its official Instagram page on Friday.
“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,” the organisation said.
A Visionary Who Changed British Music
Widely respected as a trailblazer in the entertainment industry, King founded the MOBO Awards in 1996 to celebrate and promote music of Black origin, at a time when many artists and genres received limited recognition from mainstream award platforms.
Under her leadership, the awards grew into one of the most influential music events in the United Kingdom, helping to spotlight and elevate generations of artists across genres such as R&B, hip-hop, reggae, soul, gospel, jazz and Afrobeats.
Over the years, the MOBO Awards became a major cultural institution, providing a platform for emerging talents while also honouring established stars who have shaped the global music industry.
A Legacy Beyond Music
Beyond her contributions to entertainment, King was celebrated for her advocacy for diversity, inclusion and representation within the creative industries. Her work opened doors for countless artists, executives and creatives from underrepresented communities.
Her achievements earned her widespread recognition, including the title of Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE), acknowledging her significant impact on British culture and society.
From Humble Beginnings to Global Influence
Born on February 12, 1969, in Kilburn, King was the daughter of an Irish mother and a Ghanaian father. Her multicultural upbringing helped shape her vision for a more inclusive entertainment industry and inspired the creation of a platform that would celebrate cultural diversity through music.
From modest beginnings, she built the MOBO brand into a globally recognised institution that has influenced music culture for nearly three decades.
Tributes Expected Across the Industry
News of King's passing is expected to trigger an outpouring of tributes from artists, industry executives, fans and cultural leaders who benefited from her groundbreaking work.
While the music world mourns her loss, many will remember Kanya King not only as the founder of a landmark awards platform but also as a visionary whose efforts helped reshape the conversation around representation and recognition in modern music.
Her legacy will continue to live on through the MOBO Awards and the countless careers she helped inspire and elevate.