Key facts
- Kanya King, founder of the MOBO Awards, has died.
- She was 57 years old.
- Her death followed a battle with colon cancer.
- She launched the MOBO Awards 30 years ago.
- King mortgaged her house to fund the awards.
Kanya King, the visionary founder of the MOBO (Music of Black Origin) Awards, has passed away at the age of 57. Her family confirmed her peaceful death, which occurred after a courageous battle with colon cancer. King, who established the MOBO Awards in 1996 to celebrate music of black origin, was a prominent figure in the music industry. She overcame significant obstacles, including doubters and mortgaging her house, to launch the influential ceremony 30 years ago. Tributes have been led by numerous artists, including Stormzy, Alesha Dixon, and Idris Elba, who expressed their sadness and paid homage to her legacy. The new event title highlights tributes from Stormzy, Alesha Dixon, and Tallia Storm, emphasizing King's immeasurable impact and the MOBO Awards' role in bringing Black British music to the global stage and acting as 'an act of cultural justice'.