Kanya King is an inspirational businesswoman and pioneering motivational speaker whose name is synonymous with promoting diversity and inclusion. Best known as the visionary founder of the MOBO Awards, she has dedicated her life to championing the achievements of artists across genres like Gospel, Hip Hop, Jazz, RnB and African music. Through her work, Kanya has played a vital role in bringing underrepresented voices into the mainstream. As a speaker, she is frequently hired to share the extraordinary journey behind the creation of the MOBO Awards and how she built a world-renowned platform from the ground up.
Kanya’s early career began in television, where she worked as a researcher. It was during this time that she noticed the lack of recognition for music heavily influenced by black culture in the mainstream. Frustrated by this gap, she conceived the idea of the MOBO Awards. Despite initial financial hurdles and a lack of industry support, her determination led her to remortgage her home to finance the first awards ceremony. Her gamble paid off when she persuaded Carlton TV to air the inaugural event in 1996. Since then, MOBO has grown into a global platform, celebrating some of the world’s biggest names in music, such as Stormzy, Craig David and Dizzee Rascal.
In recent years, Kanya has continued to receive widespread recognition for her contributions. She has been honoured with numerous awards including the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Institute of Enterprise, the Ambassador Award at the NatWest Everywoman Awards, and the Media Pioneer accolade at the Music Week Women in Music Awards. She has also been consistently featured in prominent lists such as the Powerlist of Britain’s Most Influential Black People and The Guardian’s Top 30 Ethnic Minorities in Media. Beyond music, Kanya supports various charitable initiatives and has co-founded projects such as DanceStar and The World Dance Music Awards.
Kanya is regularly sought after as a speaker for corporate and public events due to her inspiring story, business acumen, and unwavering commitment to equality. Her unique perspective, grounded in resilience and innovation, resonates with audiences seeking motivation, particularly in areas of entrepreneurship, leadership, and inclusion. She is the ideal speaker for organisations looking to inspire change, celebrate diversity and foster ambition.
