Kanya King CBE Bags the LIVEtime Achievement Award at the LIVE Awards
Kanya King, the powerhouse behind the MOBO Organisation, just scooped up the LIVEtime Achievement award at the LIVE Awards, and it’s no surprise! This award celebrates her incredible 30-year contribution to the UK’s live music scene.
Kanya’s journey began in 1996 when she launched the MOBO Awards, filling a huge gap in the industry for a celebration of Black music. Fast forward to today, and the MOBO Awards is a global institution, elevating artists like Beyoncé, Stormzy, Little Simz, and Rihanna, just to name a few. Under Kanya’s leadership, MOBO has grown into a major platform for celebrating genres like Hip-Hop, R&B, Grime, Reggae, and more, helping new talent shine and making waves in mainstream culture.
In a touching moment, Kanya shared with the audience that she’s currently battling stage 4 bowel cancer. But, true to her resilient spirit, she’s using this challenge to raise awareness and encourage others to prioritize their health. “This diagnosis isn’t the end of my story—it’s a chance to inspire resilience,” she said, proving that even in the face of adversity, she’s all about turning struggles into strength.
MOBO’s impact goes far beyond the awards show, with initiatives like MOBO UnSung and MOBOLISE helping young talent and pushing for diversity across the industry.
From receiving a CBE to being named one of the UK’s most influential Black people, Kanya King’s influence is undeniable. As the MOBO Awards gears up for its 30th anniversary, this LIVEtime Achievement award feels like the perfect celebration of Kanya’s unstoppable legacy.