Born in London in 1969, King battled adversity from a young age, feeling written off by society when she became a mother at 16. As she told the Evening Standard in 2017 “That put a fire in my belly and gave me the motivation to say ‘Why should I not have ambition, little is expected of me?’.” Fuelled by her ambitions to see under-represented black musicians in genres like R&B and hip-hop receive their fair plaudits at award ceremonies, she tirelessly worked to bring the music industry to the table.

When it all came together after months of phone calls from her bedroom, the first MOBOs ceremony was televised and held in London’s Connaught Hotel in 1996. The inaugural event presented Lionel Ritchie with a lifetime achievement award with Tina Turner alongside him onstage, while future Prime Minister Tony Blair was in the crowd with his wife Cherie. When interviewed at the event, Blair emphasised the importance of the MOBOs and the focus on music of black origin, while making it about the music and not skin colour. King agreed, telling BBC News in 2001 “We’ve always said it’s about the music… an event that celebrates music of black origin doesn’t seek to separate artists according to skin colour.”

From there, the awards became a giant entity in the UK music sphere, bringing all of the biggest names in black music and culture together The MOBOs have spear-headed the rise of whole genres like grime and UK drill rap, with artists like Stormzy, Dave, and Krept and Konan receiving international acclaim through the awards. This year, UK Music presented research that black music was the single-biggest driving force in the British music industry, accounting for 80% of the market. King was presented with a CBE in 2018 for contributions to music and culture, and has been noted in many lists of the most influential women in the UK.

In 2024, King was diagnosed with stage four bowel cancer, writing at the time “While this journey will undoubtedly be challenging, I’ve always believed in finding meaning through adversity.” She made her last public appearance on the red carpet at this year’s MOBOs ceremony in March, the 30th edition of the event. The night saw Olivia Dean take both Best Album and Best Song prizes, as well as Pharell Williams claiming a Global Songwriter awards. Williams addressed King’s determination during her treatment in his speech, saying “when you love what you get to do, you’re never working, you’re just having the time of your life.”

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. She was surrounded by her family,… pic.twitter.com/tkuT1dnBa8

— MOBO Awards (@MOBOAwards) June 5, 2026

Kanya King sadly died this Wednesday, as announced by the MOBOs official social media accounts. The statement reads “Kanya passed away peacefully on 3 June 2026 after a courageous and characteristically determined battle with colon cancer. She was surrounded by her family, close friends and love.”

Since the news broke, mourners from across the music industry and beyond have offered their condolences at the loss of such a powerful figure. Mis-teeq singer and TV personality Alesha Dixon wrote that King was “an incredible woman” who “helped so many people, your impact is immeasurable!” Singer Craig David posted “Kanya, your legacy will live on forever through every single one of us you touched with your beautiful heart.”

JLS singer Marvin Humes said “Kanya was a massive supporter of me and JLS. She was an amazing woman who created an unmatchable legacy.” JLS bandmate Oritse Williams posted “The world knows you as a pioneer and entrepreneur, but to many of us you were our big sister, mentor and friend, always encouraging, always supporting and always looking for ways to lift others up.”

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A post shared by Oritse Williams (@oritsemusic)

Outside of music, tribute also came from TV presenter Judi Love, who wrote “Queen built a whole legacy for us. Rest Well.” while actor Sir Idris Elba posted the message “You inspired me. Your dedication is unmatched. I will miss you, we will all miss you.” London Mayor Sadiq Khan labelled her a “true pioneer”, adding “she changed the face of culture and music – opening doors and creating opportunities for so many others. Her legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.” Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy also wrote that she “changed British music for the better through the MOBO Awards.”

King’s family issued a statement – “She faced every moment of her illness as she faced every moment of her life: with courage, with faith, with humour, and with an absolute refusal to be diminished. Through the Mobos, she gave “an entire generation of black British artists the right to be seen, to be celebrated, and to be heard on their own terms.” “Kanya leaves behind 30 years of music of joy, of resistance, of proof – proof that one woman, with vision, nerve, and love, can move an entire culture.”

Bashy saw success last night, first claiming the title of ‘Best Hip-Hop Act’. Accepting the award, he spoke proudly of the path that took him there, saying “I’m just a regular guy from the ends – I was a busman, postdriver, working in retail”, telling artists not to be ashamed of doing your job to fund your passion.

He later picked up the coveted ‘Album Of The Year’ award, to tremendous applause from the crowd. His winning album, ‘Being Poor Is Expensive’ was a critical success, a conscious, thoughtful album diving into themes of race, mental health and community. It came after a long musical hiatus for Bashy, also known as Ashley Thomas, who first graced the grime scene in the 2000’s with memorable tracks like ‘Black Boys’ and ‘Kidulthood 2 Adulthood’. In more recent years his acting career has flourished, starring in series like Top Boy, Black Cake and Them.

He also performed on the evening, as did other acts such as Nova Twins, Krept & Konan and Spice.

Another big winner last night was British-Nigerian artist Darkoo, winning both ‘Best Female Act’ and ‘Song Of The Year’ for her tune ‘Favourite Girl’. She first started buzzing with her 2019 hit ‘Gangsta’ and has since then gathered a following for her afrobeats-hip-hop style. Despite not breaking the UK Singles Charts, ‘Favourite Girl’ racked up tens of millions of streams as well as its remix with Nigerian star Rema. She was previously nominated at the 2020 MOBO’s for two awards.

Also taking a pair of awards home was Odeal, who won ‘Best Newcomer’ and ‘Best R&B/Soul Artist’. He’s picked up a large following for his emotional music fusing emotional lyrics, soulful melodies, ambient R&B textures and African rhythms. His 2024 ‘Lustropolis’ EP increased his profile and received critical acclaim, even featuring a collab with American star Summer Walker.

Central Cee took home the prize for ‘Best Male Act’, making him the first artist to win the award three times. It also ties him with Stormzy as the most decorated rapper in the history of the MOBO’s. Other winners included Scorcher for ‘Best Grime Act’, Pozer for ‘Best Drill Act’, and Ayra Starr for both ‘Best African Music Act’ and ‘Best International Act’.

Founder Kanya King took to the stage to thank the audience. She gave an important speech, detailing her battle with stage four bowl cancer. She told the crowd: “Tonight, as I stand here at the Utilita Arena looking out at this incredible audience, I feel profound gratitude.

“Because there was a time I didn’t think I’d make it to this stage.

“But I have never allowed someone else to define my limits. Not in life. Not in business. And certainly not now.

She continued: “In my cancer journey, I want to educate others. Search ‘check my risk’ or visit the Prostate UK website.”

She founded the MOBO’S in 1996, and it’s been going strong since, taking a brief hiatus in 2017 before returning in 2021, and taking a fallow year in 2023. The MOBOs stand for “Music of Black Origin”, and the awards celebrate a diverse range of homegrown and international genres and artists of black origin, including hip-hop, afrobeat, grime, gospel and more.

Other legacy awards were presented to dancehall king Vybz Kartel, who received the ‘Impact Award’ for his contributions to music, and to Olympic gold medalist Denise Lewis, who collected the ‘Paving The Way’ award for her trailblazing success in sports.

The full list of MOBO Awards 2025 winners can be found below. Highlights from the MOBO Awards 2025 will be broadcast on BBC One on Friday (Feb 21) at 11.25pm.

MOBO Awards 2025 Winners List:

“The MOBOs play a crucial role in the British music industry, showcasing music of black origin,” he said.

“It’s more important than ever that we celebrate black excellence and recognise the achievements of black communities.”

.@jeremycorbyn sharing a powerful message ahead of tonight's #MOBOAwards pic.twitter.com/6uA6xsBWlD

— MOBO (@MOBOAwards) November 29, 2017

The South London MC took home awards for Best Male, Best Grime Act, and Best Album for his debut album Gang Signs & Prayer. These awards capped of a meteoric year for Stormzy, who saw his debut album hit Number 1 nationwide, before performing at the BRIT Awards, and being nominated for the Mercury Prize.

Elsewhere, fellow newcomers J-Hus took home the gong for Best Song, awarded to his ubiquitous track ‘Did You See’, and Steflon Don won Best Female  Act. Grime stalwart Giggs was named Best Hip-Hop Act, and renaissance man Craig David won the Best R&B/Soul category.

You can read the full list of winners below:

Best male – Stormzy
Best female – Stefflon Don
Best album – Stormzy, Gang Signs & Prayer
Best newcomer – Dave
Best song – J Hus, Did You See
Best video – Mist, Hot Property
Best hip hop – Giggs
Best grime act – Stormzy
Best R&B act/soul act – Craig David
Best international act – Wizkid
Best African act – Davido
Best reggae act – Damian Marley
Best jazz act – Moses Boyd
Best gospel act – Volney Morgan and New-Ye