Kanya King, the London born entrepreneur who alongside Andy Ruffell founded the Music of Black Origin (MOBO) Awards in 1996, has died at the age of 57.

King’s death was announced by the MOBO Organisation in a statement on its official social media pages.

“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 June 3, 2026 after a courageous and characteristically determined battle with colon cancer. She was surrounded by her family, close friends and love,” the post read.