Tributes are pouring in following the devastating information.
It is a breaking information story (Picture: EXPRESS)
Kanya King, the founding father of the Mobo Awards, has handed away on the age of 57 following “a brave and characteristically decided battle with colon most cancers”. The Mobo organisation confirmed the unhappy information right now, stating Kanya died peacefully on Wednesday (June 3) afternoon, surrounded by her household and shut pals.
The organisation’s assertion learn: “The music world has misplaced considered one of its most fearless champions. What Kanya created was by no means merely an awards ceremony. It was an act of cultural justice. Mobo didn’t simply rejoice Black music; it legitimised it, amplified it, and demonstrated its industrial and inventive energy to a world that had too usually chosen to not see it.”
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The star launched the Mobo Awards within the Nineties (Picture: Getty)
Kanya King introduced her sickness lately (Picture: Getty)
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The music legend was born in Kilburn, north London, to a Ghanaian father and an Irish mom, and was working as a tv researcher when she got here up with the thought of launching an awards ceremony to rejoice black British musicians.
Kanya even remortgaged her house to boost the funds for the inaugural Mobo Awards, which had been held again in 1996. Because the years went on, the awards grew bigger and bigger, with acclaimed stars similar to Olivia Dean, Dave and Stormzy being celebrated in latest instances.
The businesswoman introduced she was recognized with stage 4 most cancers in December 2024 on the identical night she was given a lifetime achievement award for her work.
She mentioned on the time most cancers “was one thing I by no means noticed coming and I’m nonetheless processing this sudden actuality”.
BBC journalist Greg McKenzie wrote: “Deeply saddened to listen to of the passing of Kanya King CBE. Practically 20 years in the past, whereas protecting the MOBO Awards for Channel 5 Information and later for BBC Information, I had the privilege of assembly Kanya and spending time together with her on a number of events. She was a visionary who remodeled British music and tradition, creating alternatives and recognition for numerous artists who might in any other case have gone unheard.”
One other shared: “RIP Kanya King. An actual trailblazer proper to the very finish. What a life she lived and an influence she made.”
In the meantime, a fourth penned: “MOBO founder Kanya King, 57, has handed away peacefully after her battle with colon most cancers, surrounded by household and pals. Relaxation in peace. A real pioneer in music and enterprise. Condolences to her family members.”
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