Kanya King CBE is a name synonymous with ambition, perseverance, and cultural influence. Born to an Irish mother and a Ghanaian father, Kanya was the youngest of nine children. Her early life was marked by financial hardship, growing up in a cramped council house in North London. Her father passed away when she was just 13, leaving her mother to raise the family on her own. Despite these struggles, Kanya learned the value of hard work early, taking on a paper route at age 10 and a Saturday job soon after to contribute to the family. Kanya’s determination was shaped by a desire to escape the stereotypes that often followed young, single mothers like herself.
At 16, she became a mother, an experience that only fueled her ambition. She recalls how a careers advisor told her that managing a local supermarket might be the best she could hope for. This comment ignited her passion to prove otherwise. “Why should I not have ambition, just because little was expected of me?” she reflected. This became her driving force, instilling in her a relentless work ethic and the confidence to chase her dreams. In 1996, with a vision to give underrepresented black and ethnic minority musicians a platform to shine, Kanya launched the first MOBO Awards. At a time when Britpop dominated the UK music scene and black music was largely ignored by the mainstream, Kanya saw the opportunity to change the narrative.
However, her dream didn’t come without risks. After struggling to find financial backers, she re-mortgaged her home to fund the production of the event. Her gamble paid off, and the first MOBO Awards, broadcast by Carlton TV, was a huge success. The MOBO Awards quickly gained traction and became a cultural touchstone for British music, launching the careers of stars like Stormzy, Craig David, Amy Winehouse, and Tinie Tempah. It has also garnered global recognition, with performances from superstars such as Beyoncé, Rihanna, and Usher. Kanya’s ability to pull off such a feat within just six weeks of securing television backing was a testament to her entrepreneurial spirit.
Beyond the awards, Kanya has become a prominent voice for diversity in the media and corporate world. In 2020, she founded Mobolise, an online platform designed to bridge the gap between talented individuals from minority backgrounds and professional opportunities. Her work in championing diversity has earned her numerous accolades, including being named one of Britain’s Most Influential Black People and a spot on the BBC Women’s Hour Power List.
Kanya’s passion for giving back extends beyond the entertainment industry. Through the creation of the MOBO Trust and various educational programs, she has provided countless young people with opportunities to develop their talents and pursue careers in the arts. The MOBO UnSung competition and MOBOvation Talks are just some of the initiatives she has spearheaded to empower the next generation of creatives and entrepreneurs. In addition to her work with MOBO, Kanya co-founded DanceStar, a global dance music awards platform, which became a massive success in the early 2000s. Its American edition, DanceStar USA, became the most-watched electronic music show in history, with its 2003 show broadcast in 54 countries.
Kanya’s journey has been defined by risk and an unwavering commitment to her vision. In 1999, she was awarded an MBE, and later a CBE, in recognition of her contributions to the music industry and diversity.
