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Kanya King, founder of the MOBO (Music of Black Origin) Awards, has died at the age of 57 after a courageous battle with colon cancer. She passed away peacefully on Wednesday afternoon, June 3, surrounded by family and close friends, according to a statement from the MOBO organisation.
The statement described her as a fearless champion of Black music, noting that the awards she created in 1996 went beyond celebration to provide cultural recognition and legitimacy for Black artists globally. Over the years, the MOBO Awards grew into a major platform, honouring artists such as Olivia Dean, Dave, and Stormzy.
Born in Kilburn, north London, to a Ghanaian father and Irish mother, King conceived the idea for the awards while working as a television researcher. She later remortgaged her home to fund the first edition of the ceremony.
She was diagnosed with stage four cancer in December 2024, the same night she received a lifetime achievement award. She had previously described the diagnosis as unexpected and life-changing.
Following her death, tributes have been pouring in from across the music industry, honouring her legacy and impact.
Source: 3news
