Image source, Getty ImagesByAlex TaylorBBC News Culture reporterPublished5 June 2026 Mobo Awards founder Kanya King has been remembered as a "visionary" who "changed the face of culture and music", following her death at the age of 57. King worked tirelessly to champion black musicians' contribution to British culture, and funded the first Music of Black Origin awards in 1996 out of her own pocket. She died on Wednesday after "a courageous and characteristically determined battle with colon cancer", the Mobo Organisation said in a statement. Tributes have been paid by stars including TV host and Mis-Teeq singer Alesha Dixon, external, who called King an "incredible woman", adding: "You helped so many people, your impact is immeasurable!" Alesha Dixon, pictured with King in 2010, won a Mobo Award with Mis-Teeq and hosted the ceremony three times Stormzy posted, external heart and dove emojis, while Sir Idris Elba said, external she was gone "too soon".
Published: June 5, 2026 9:45 am
Source: BBC — Read original