When we talk about revolutionaries in British music, Kanya King CBE stands in a league of her own. As the MOBO Awards celebrate their 29th year in 2025, it’s impossible not to marvel at how one woman’s vision has transformed the landscape of British music and created a global platform for Black music and culture.
Starting MOBO in 1996 with just £100 and endless determination, Kanya spotted a glaring gap in the industry – the lack of mainstream recognition for music of black origin. What began as a one-off awards show at London’s Grand Connaught Rooms has evolved into a cultural powerhouse that’s launched careers, shaped trends, and forced the music industry to pay attention to voices it once overlooked.
Under Kanya’s leadership, MOBO has become more than just an awards ceremony. It’s a year-round movement championing emerging talent, fostering education initiatives, and creating opportunities in the creative industries. Her ability to adapt and evolve with the times while staying true to MOBO’s core mission has been nothing short of masterful.
This year’s ceremony, broadcast globally and trending across social platforms, is a far cry from those early days. But what hasn’t changed is Kanya’s commitment to excellence and representation. Her influence extends beyond music – she’s become a powerful voice in entrepreneurship, regularly mentoring young business leaders and speaking on panels about creative industry innovation.
From securing the first music awards show on mainstream British television to creating opportunities for countless artists, Kanya King’s legacy is written not just in MOBO’s success, but in the transformation of British music culture itself. In 2025, as urban music dominates global charts, it’s worth remembering that Kanya saw this potential when others couldn’t – or wouldn’t.
