Kanya King CBE

Founder & CEO of the MOBOs, Selected for the BBC Radio 4 ‘Woman’s Hour Power List’ of the 100 Most Influential Women in Britain & Received the Black British Business Awards Icon Award

Kanya King’s Biography:

Kanya King CBE is one of the most influential figures in British music and entrepreneurship, best known as the founder of the MOBO (Music of Black Origin) Awards. Through her vision and determination, she created a platform that transformed the recognition of Black music and culture in the United Kingdom, celebrating genres and artists that had previously been overlooked by mainstream award ceremonies. Under her leadership, the MOBO Awards became one of the most respected and culturally significant events in the entertainment industry, helping to launch and elevate the careers of countless artists. Kanya is hired as a keynote speaker because of her exceptional journey as a pioneering entrepreneur, cultural trailblazer and advocate for diversity, inclusion and innovation.

Born in London to Ghanaian parents, Kanya overcame significant personal and financial challenges before establishing herself as a successful business leader. Inspired by the lack of recognition for diverse musical talent, she founded the MOBO Awards in 1996 and launched the inaugural ceremony at London’s Connaught Rooms. Her entrepreneurial success quickly gained national recognition and she was appointed MBE for services to the music industry. Alongside building the MOBO brand into a nationally recognised institution, she received an Honorary Fellowship from Goldsmiths, University of London, an Honorary Doctorate of Business Administration from London Metropolitan University and an Honorary Doctorate of Music from Leeds Beckett University, recognising both her business achievements and cultural impact.

Kanya’s influence extends far beyond the music industry. She has been recognised as one of London’s Most Influential People by the London Evening Standard and was named among Britain’s 100 Most Entrepreneurial Women by Real Business. Her contribution to society and business was further highlighted when she was selected for the BBC Radio 4 ‘Woman’s Hour Power List’ of the 100 Most Influential Women in Britain. She later received the Ambassador Award at the NatWest Everywoman Awards and the Media Pioneer Award at the Music Week Women in Music Awards. More recently, she was honoured with an Ivors Academy Honour for her monumental contribution to the UK music industry and received the Black British Business Awards Icon Award, cementing her status as one of Britain’s most influential cultural leaders.

Why Hire Kanya King?

As a speaker, Kanya brings a unique combination of entrepreneurial expertise, leadership insight and lived experience. Her story demonstrates resilience, vision and the ability to create lasting change against considerable odds. Audiences benefit from her perspectives on diversity, innovation, business growth, leadership and cultural influence. Drawing on decades of experience building a globally recognised brand, Kanya delivers inspiring, practical and thought provoking keynote presentations that motivate individuals and organisations to embrace ambition, champion inclusion and drive meaningful success.

Kanya King‘s Career Highlights:

Here are some of the key milestones that define Kanya King’s remarkable career:

  • 2025 – Received an Ivors Academy Honour in recognition of her monumental contributions to the UK music industry
  • 2025 – Won the Black British Business Awards Icon Award
  • 2018 – Promoted to Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for services to music and culture
  • 2016 – Received the Media Pioneer Award at the Music Week Women in Music Awards
  • 2014 – Received the Ambassador Award at the NatWest Everywoman Awards
  • 2013 – Selected for the BBC Radio 4 ‘Woman’s Hour Power List’ of the 100 Most Influential Women in Britain
  • 2011 – Named one of Britain’s 100 Most Entrepreneurial Women by Real Business
  • 2011 – Recognised as one of London’s Most Influential People by the London Evening Standard
  • 2008 – Awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Music by Leeds Beckett University
  • 2006 – Awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Business Administration by London Metropolitan University.
  • 2004 – Awarded an Honorary Fellowship by Goldsmiths, University of London
  • 1999 – Appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for services to the music industry
  • 1996 – Founded the MOBO Awards and launched the inaugural ceremony at London’s Connaught Rooms