MOBO Founder Kanya King Dies At 57 After Colon Cancer Diagnosis

Kanya King CBE, the founder and chief executive officer of the MOBO organisation, has died at age 57.

The group confirmed her death in a statement, saying the Music of Black Origin leader “passed away peacefully after a courageous and characteristically determined battle with colon cancer” on Wednesday, June 3. According to the statement, she was “surrounded by her family, close friends and love.”

King also helped establish the MOBO Awards, which reached its 30th anniversary milestone in 2026. The awards recognise music of Black origin across the globe.

Over the years, MOBO honours went to several major acts, among them Shenseea, Sean Paul, Vybz Kartel, Lauryn Hill and Rihanna. In 2024, King disclosed that she had been diagnosed with stage four colon cancer.