Monthly Archives June 2026

Kanya King CBE, founder of MOBO and diversity campaigner (12 February 1969 – 3 June 2026)

I was deeply saddened to learn that Kanya King CBE, founder and chief executive of the MOBO Awards passed away a few days ago at the age of 57 following a courageous battle with cancer.

Back in 2006, Kanya and I worked closely together on a question that would shape the future of the MOBOs. Western Union, the long-standing sponsor, was coming to the end of its commitment, and the awards needed a new partner to secure their future before a global television and radio audience. Drawing on my network and my work as a sponsorship practitioner, I was able to bring the City of Glasgow on board in a five-year, multi-million-pound deal...

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