A frequent name in Britain’s most powerful and influential women with a string of big awards to her name, MOBO founder and CEO Kanya King hasn’t just propelled black music to the heart of British popular culture, her extraordinary passion for inclusion and diversity also created a huge brand in the notoriously tough music business.

Awarded an MBE in 1999, Kanya is a captivating and hugely in-demand speaker on issues including positive change and inclusivity in arts, culture, music and society.

Kanya grew up in North London and after a brief spell working as a TV researcher she saw a glaring gap in the market for a British award ceremony celebrating music influenced and inspired by black music.

Armed with her idea and incredible drive and determination, Kanya founded the MOBOs in 1996 and remains CEO today.

She turned MOBO into a global brand, engaging and influencing business and political leaders while championing diversity, inclusion and recognition for BME talent.

The music entrepreneur has rubbed shoulders with an incredible list of A-List talent, giving an early platform to Stormzy, Amy Winehouse, Goldie, Skepta, Rita Ora, Craig David, Ms Dynamite, Dizzee Rascal, Emile Sandé and Tinie Tempah.

And how many other award shows could boast celebrity appearances from Jay-Z, Beyoncé, Diana Ross, Tina Turner, Janet Jackson, Usher, P. Diddy, Diana Ross, John Legend and Rihanna?

Kanya’s influence is truly second-to-none. As too is her innovation and razor sharp eye for spotting and backing new talent and trends.

Take, for example, Grime. Once niche, now mainstream. The music had MOBO’s support from the start, backing a string of performers who are now huge stars, including Stormzy and Skepta who had their first MOBO wins in 2014.

Kanya has become the go-to expert for public speaking at community, educational and corporate events.

Her past appearances include the British Library, Leeds Metropolitan University, Morgan Stanley and the Scottish Institute For Enterprise. Her work has also taken Kanya on speaking engagements abroad.

Beyond the MOBO Awards, Kanya has developed ‘DanceStar’ – the global dance music awards platform – a concept developed across three continents and the MOBO Trust, a tried and tested talent development programme.

The Story of MOBO Founder Kanya King

Speech | live at MOBO Awards