Kanya King, founder of Mobo awards for Black British music, dies aged 57
Kanya King, the founder of the Mobo awards, has passed away at age 57 following a battle with colon cancer. She is remembered for her pivotal role in legitimizing and amplifying Black British music on a global stage.
Why it matters
King's work fundamentally shifted the landscape of the British music industry by providing a platform for marginalized artists and fostering cultural justice.
‘The music world has lost one of its most fearless champions’ … Kanya King pictured in 2025. Photograph: Joseph Okpako/WireImage View image in fullscreen ‘The music world has lost one of its most fearless champions’ … Kanya King pictured in 2025. Photograph: Joseph Okpako/WireImage Mobos Kanya King, founder of Mobo awards for Black British music, dies aged 57 Entrepreneur died of colon cancer, with Mobo Organisation hailing her as ‘one of the most fearless champions’ in the music industry
The report is a standard obituary focusing on the subject's professional achievements and industry impact.
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