Kanya King

Founder & CEO of The MOBO Awards, Co-Founder of DanceStar, Former DEI Advisor to Sky & Recipient of The Music Week Strat Award

Kanya King’s Biography:

Kanya King is a pioneering cultural entrepreneur and the Founder and CEO of the MOBO Awards. Through her vision and determination, she has transformed representation within the British and global music industries, ensuring artists from Black and diverse backgrounds are recognised on the world stage. She has spent nearly 30 years championing breakthrough talent and building platforms that celebrate creativity, innovation and cultural impact. Named as one of London’s most influential cultural leaders, Kanya has shifted the entertainment landscape and inspired generations to follow.

Her story of success began with an extraordinary breakthrough. After leaving school at a young age, Kanya pursued a career in television production, independently launching the first MOBO Awards in 1996. Broadcast on Carlton TV and featuring global stars including Lionel Richie and Tony Blair, the show became a defining mainstream celebration of music of Black origin. Since then, the brand has grown into a multi-dimensional movement with showcases, talent pathways and educational initiatives that support emerging artists and diversify the pipeline of future creative leaders.

Outside the awards, Kanya’s influence is felt across the creative industries through her advisory and leadership roles. She co-founded DanceStar and sits on major bodies including the Creative Industries Council and Creative UK Council, shaping policy and creative strategy across the country. She has also advised Sky on diversity, equity and inclusion, encouraging positive progression throughout media and entertainment.

Kanya’s work extends into philanthropy and community empowerment, supporting organisations that tackle health inequality, education and youth opportunity. In 2024, the first MOBO trophy was exhibited in Beyond the Bassline at the British Library — cementing the cultural legacy of the movement she created. Today, she continues to lead the evolution of the MOBO brand while amplifying representation across music, art, television, film and fashion.

Why Hire Kanya King?

Kanya King CBE is a visionary leader who has changed the trajectory of British culture. Her award-winning work has earned her an MBE and, later, a CBE for services to music and entrepreneurship. She has been named on the BBC Woman’s Hour Power List, featured on the Evening Standard’s list of London’s Most Influential People, and recognised on multiple Powerlists celebrating Britain’s most influential Black leaders. Additionally, she has received numerous honorary doctorates and several major Lifetime Achievement awards acknowledging her impact on the creative economy.

On stage, Kanya delivers compelling insights into leadership, entrepreneurship, diversity and social responsibility. She speaks with authority on breaking barriers, driving industry change and building global brands with purpose. Inspiring, relatable and filled with passion, she equips audiences with the mindset and motivation to innovate, challenge the status quo and turn ambitious visions into reality.

Kanya King’s Career Highlights:

Below showcases Kanya King’s inspirational career throughout business and more:

• 2025 – Opened The House of MOBO, an immersive cultural space celebrating three decades of music of Black origin, offering public access to exhibitions, industry events and talent development programmes.
• 2024 – First MOBO Trophy displayed in the British Library’s Beyond the Bassline exhibition.
• 2018 – Appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE).
• 2016 – Won the Media Pioneer Award at the Music Week Women in Music Awards.
• 2015 – Listed among the 100 Most Influential British Entrepreneurs by Richtopia.
• 2013 – Named on BBC Woman’s Hour Power List and One of BBC’s 100 Women.
• 2011 – Named as one of London’s Most Influential People by the Evening Standard.
• 2008 – Received Honorary Doctorate from Leeds Metropolitan University.
• 2006 – Awarded Honorary Doctorate of Business Administration from London Metropolitan University.
• 1999 – Appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE).
• 1996 – Founded the MOBO Awards, establishing a groundbreaking platform for Black music talent.