Music World Mourns MOBO Awards Founder Kanya King

Tributes have been paid following the death of MOBOs founder Kanya King, with the MOBO Organisation describing how “every artist, every moment and every note will carry her legacy”.

King founded the MOBOs 30 years ago, creating a platform to acknowledge and celebrate the music of Black British artists from across genres including hip-hop, grime, UK drill, pop, R&B, soul, reggae, jazz, gospel and more.

Today (Friday June 5), it has been confirmed that she passed away after a battle with colon cancer, and died surrounded by her family and close friends.

“It is with immeasurable sorrow that the MOBO Organisation announces the passing of its Founder and CEO, Kanya King CBE,” read a statement from the MOBO Organisation.

“The music world has lost one of its most fearless champions,” it added, going on to explain how she built the organisation as a “a single mother from a Kilburn council estate who was told that Black music was too niche, that there was no market and that the industry was not interested.”

> It is with immeasurable sorrow that the MOBO Organisation announces the passing of its Founder and CEO, Kanya King CBE. Kanya passed away peacefully on 3 June 2026 after a courageous and characteristically determined battle with colon cancer. She was surrounded by her family,… pic.twitter.com/tkuT1dnBa8 — MOBO Awards (@MOBOAwards) June 5, 2026

“Instead of arguing, she built. Six weeks later, the first MOBO Awards was broadcast to the nation, and nothing was ever the same again,” it continued, adding that it was a stage that “would transform British music forever”.

The statement touched on how countless artists have stood on that stage in the years since, including Olivia Dean , Stormzy , Little Simz , RAYE , Craig David , Sade and more, and how “every door that opened, every opportunity that followed, and every ceiling that was shattered” for them “carries the imprint of Kanya King’s vision.

“What Kanya created was never simply an awards ceremony. It was an act of cultural justice,” the statement read. “MOBO did not just celebrate Black music; it legitimised it, amplified it, and demonstrated its commercial and creative power to a world that had too often chosen not to see it.”

King was awarded a CBE and received an Ivors Academy Honour in 2025, and stood on the MOBO Stage in 2025 – just months after her cancer diagnosis – saying that “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”.

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This year’s MOBOs were held in March, and marked the landmark 30th anniversary year.

“Every artist, every moment and every note will carry her legacy,” the statement concluded. “The world was a profoundly better place with Kanya King in it. The MOBO family is heartbroken, but also endlessly grateful, proud and inspired by everything she gave to music, culture and the generations who will follow in her footsteps.”

Since the news was announced, others have taken to social media to share their sadness at the loss. Broadcaster Kevin Hughes wrote on X: “I am so very sorry to hear this news. Trailblazing, tenacious and truly talented. And a joy to interview throughout the years. My heartfelt condolences to Kanya’s family, friends and to the @MOBOAwards team at this sad time. RIP.”

> I am so very sorry to hear this news. Trailblazing, tenacious and truly talented. And a joy to interview throughout the years. Remembering Kanya King CBE My heartfelt condolences to Kanya’s family, friends and to the @MOBOAwards team at this sad time. RIP. https://t.co/AiIecHX7o7 — Kevin Hughes (@Popprince) June 5, 2026

Other tributes have come from Loose Women presenter Judi Love, who described the British entrepreneur as a “Queen” who “built a whole legacy for us”, and JLS singer Oritse Williams, who said that her “legacy and impact on the world changed so many lives including mine, I will always be forever grateful to you”.

Alesha Dixon add that she was ‘devastated’ to hear the news on Instagram Stories , and shared: “Gone too soon! Forever grateful and in awe of you and your fight! One of the strongest people I’ve ever known! You are a true example to us all! Will love you forever! Thank you for everything! Rest well my friend.”

“This is so sad. Kanya’s legacy will forever be embedded into Black British history. May she rest in peace,” wrote another fan of hers, while BBC correspondent Greg McKenzie said that he was “Deeply saddened to hear” of her death.

“She was a visionary who transformed British music and culture, creating opportunities and recognition for countless artists who may otherwise have gone unheard,” he added. “Her passion, determination and belief in the power of representation changed the industry forever. The impact of her work will continue to be felt for generations to come.”

Find more tributes below.

> Deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Kanya King CBE. Nearly 20 years ago, while covering the MOBO Awards for Channel 5 News and later for BBC News, I had the privilege of meeting Kanya and spending time with her on several occasions. She was a visionary who transformed… pic.twitter.com/ddbCdxxzRE — Greg McKenzie (@GregMcX1) June 5, 2026

> This is so sad. Kanya's legacy will forever be embedded into Black British history. May she rest in peace https://t.co/HeXtjIeLMd — Sims (@leizenomis) June 5, 2026

> RIP Kanya King, we’ve lost an incredible human being. — db (@dbcxptures) June 5, 2026

> RIP kanya king. What a legacy to leave behind. — THE PASTEL PRINCE MAY30th (@howdouknowliam) June 5, 2026

Performances at this year’s MOBOs ceremony came from Olivia Dean, FLO , Aitch , Myles Smith and Tiwa Savage . There was also a ‘MOBO Salutes: Grime 25’ medley featuring Wiley , Chip, Nolay, Scorcher and D Double E (curated by DJ Target).

The night was presented by global hip-hop icon Eve and comedian and broadcaster Eddie Kadi, and it was Olivia Dean who was the big winner of the night.

Back in 2022, ahead of the 25th anniversary edition of the MOBO Awards, King spoke to NME about recognising Black alternative and dance music for the first time and the ongoing goal to make every year of the awards “one of the biggest years we’ve had”.

“It’s changed beyond recognition,” King said, looking back at the inaugural 1996 edition of the ceremony. “It’s so globally dominant now. You have to take a step back sometimes – if you think where we are.

“Whether it’s Little Simz, Headie One , Stefflon Lon , Central Cee or any of these incredible artists, it’s wonderful to see the impact they’re having. It’s wonderful to see the legacy of the past 25 years, a lot has happened.”

The post Tributes paid about passing of MOBOs founder Kanya King: “Every artist, every moment and every note will carry her legacy” appeared first on NME .

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