Kanya King, founder of Mobo awards for Black British music, dies aged 57 | Mobos
Kanya King, the visionary entrepreneur and founder of the Mobo awards, has died at the age of 57. The Mobo Organisation announced that she passed away on Wednesday following a courageous battle with colon cancer.
The organization described King as one of the music world’s “most fearless champions.” They noted that her work was more than an awards ceremony, characterizing it as an “act of cultural justice” that legitimized and amplified Black music.
A Legacy of Cultural Justice
Born in Kilburn, north London, to a Ghanaian father and Irish mother, King began her career as a TV researcher. She identified a significant gap in the marketplace for an event that celebrated Black British musicians who were frequently overlooked.
To bring her vision to life, King remortgaged her own home to fund the inaugural Mobo awards in 1996. This risk eventually grew into an arena-filling event that has highlighted the careers of artists including Stormzy, Dave, and Olivia Dean.
“You inspired me. Your dedication is unmatched.” — Idris Elba
Expanding the Reach of Black Music
King achieved an early success by securing a broadcast deal with Carlton Television, bringing winners like Goldie and Gabrielle to a wide audience. By 1998, the ceremony moved to Channel 4, where it championed soul, pop, and drum’n’bass.
The awards evolved alongside the music, embracing UK garage talent like Craig David and later the grime scene. In 2005, the ceremony recognized Lethal Bizzle’s “Pow! (Forward)” at a time when the genre was often demonized or ignored.
Unlike the Mercury prize or Brit awards, which were primarily based in London, King took the Mobos to various UK cities. These included Sheffield, Coventry, Newcastle, and Glasgow.
Overcoming Challenges and Barriers
The journey was not without obstacles. King faced criticism for featuring white artists like Jessie J and Ed Sheeran, and the event experienced a hiatus during 2018 and 2019.
In response, King adapted the ceremony by increasing the emphasis on Black artists in nominations. She also introduced new categories to reflect evolving sounds, such as electronic and drill.
In a 2020 interview with the Guardian, King described her efforts as a “labour of love.” She spoke of the isolation and challenges of fighting inequality in an industry where some believed such problems did not exist.
Industry Tributes and Honors
King was awarded a CBE in 2018 for her significant contributions to music and culture. Her death has prompted an outpouring of gratitude from those she helped elevate.
Beverley Knight stated that without King’s vision, she would have had a “much harder mountain to climb.” DJ Target recalled that the Mobos became “OUR awards show,” while DJ Semtex called her a “visionary.”
The Future of the Mobos
Following the loss of their founder, the Mobo Organisation may continue to build upon the foundation of cultural justice King established. The awards could further expand their genre categories to keep pace with the evolving musical landscape.
There is a possibility that the industry will see a renewed focus on breaking down the barriers King spent her life fighting. The organization is likely to maintain the legacy of amplifying artists who remain overlooked by mainstream events.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Kanya King fund the first Mobo awards?
She remortgaged her house to raise the money for the inaugural ceremony in 1996.
In which cities were the Mobo awards held?
The awards were held in various UK cities, including Glasgow, Newcastle, Coventry, and Sheffield.
What honor was Kanya King awarded in 2018?
She was awarded a CBE for her contributions to music and culture.
How do you think the legacy of the Mobo awards will continue to influence the music industry?