Kanya King Propels MOBO into the Future with Visionary Leadership
Kanya King marks three decades since launching the MOBO Awards in 1996. The 30th anniversary edition takes place at Manchester’s Co-Op Live on March 26.
Anniversary show and performances
The specially staged event will include major international and UK acts. Performers include Slick Rick, who will join Estelle, plus Shenseea and Olivia Dean.
R&B trio FLO, Manchester rapper Aitch, Myles Smith and Tiwa Savage are also on the bill. Pharrell Williams will receive a special honour during the night.
A Grime 25 medley is planned. Wiley, Chip, Nolay, Scorcher and D Double E will feature in that set, curated by DJ Target.
Hosting duties fall to rapper and actor Eve and comedian Eddie Kadi. The ceremony will be streamed by Amazon and broadcast by the BBC.
Fringe events and citywide programming
The MOBO Fringe Festival runs for nine days in Manchester. It will combine industry talks, showcases and live performances.
Highlights include the MOBO Fringe Summit in association with Amazon Music. A Manchester talent programme, supported by PPL, will spotlight ten emerging local artists.
Organisers will also stage House of MOBO. That space is described as a cultural dining hub for performances, panels and industry sessions.
Partnerships, initiatives and support schemes
MOBO operates a charitable arm called the MOBO Trust. Other programmes include MOBO UnSung and the Mobilise career access scheme.
MOBO UnSung works with Help Musicians to provide funding and mentoring. Mobilise focuses on pathways and leadership across creative and corporate sectors.
Corporate partners for the anniversary include Salesforce, which will host an event on AI and creative technology. Prostate Cancer UK is the event’s charity partner.
New award and industry endorsement
A new Global Songwriter award will debut this year. The idea was influenced by Jon Platt, chairman and CEO of Sony Music Publishing.
Platt has worked with artists such as Jay‑Z, Beyoncé, Drake, Rihanna and Pharrell Williams. He has backed MOBO’s drive to recognise songwriters globally.
Legacy and cultural impact
MOBO has been an early platform for many British artists. Names that passed through the awards include Craig David, Dave, Central Cee, Stormzy, Little Simz and FLO.
The show also helped introduce international acts to UK audiences, including Cardi B in 2017. Global stars who have appeared include Diana Ross, Sade and Beyoncé.
King says she remortgaged her home to launch the awards. She endured industry pushback in the early years but persisted to build visibility for Black music.
Recognition, personal challenges and advocacy
King received The Strat at the Music Week Awards. Craig David presented that honour.
In 2024 King revealed she was receiving treatment for stage four bowel cancer. She has linked that experience to a renewed focus on impact and legacy.
MOBO has a wider social remit. The partnership with Prostate Cancer UK highlights health awareness in Black communities.
Economic scale and regional benefits
UK Music’s Black Music Means Business report estimates that Black music accounts for around 80% of the recorded music market. The report values that contribution at approximately £24.5 billion of a £30 billion sector.
Regional staging has brought economic returns. An ITV estimate put the impact of last year’s Newcastle events at about £1.3 million.
Voices from the industry
Artists and industry figures have praised King’s work. Mel B highlighted how the awards provided a platform for Black and mixed race performers.
Sugababes, who won the Impact Award in 2024, commended MOBO’s long-term support. Rapper Bashy, winner of Album of the Year in 2025, described a MOBO recognition as a cultural milestone.
Kanya King Propels MOBO into the Future with Visionary Leadership, organisers and supporters say. The organisation aims to build platforms and opportunities for the next generation.
