Thirty years ago, without institutional backing or industry support, Kanya King CBE remortgaged her home to create MOBO – driven by a vision to champion Black music and culture and open doors for talent too often overlooked by the mainstream.

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.