Kanya King, the founder of the MOBO Awards, has revealed she has stage four bowel cancer.
Ms King, who is chief executive of the awards which celebrates and elevates black music in the UK, said her diagnosis is something she “never saw coming” and she is “still processing this unexpected reality”.
Speaking as she accepted a lifetime achievement prize at the Live Awards, the live music industry event, at London’s Troxy venue, she said her diagnosis isn’t the end of her story but a chance for her to “inspire resilience, raise awareness” and use it to amplify the message of early detection and the importance of proactively taking charge of your health.
“If my story can save just one life, then it’s a story worth telling,” she said.
Stage four cancer means that a primary cancer has spread to other parts of the body.
It is also known as metastatic advanced cancer, according to the charity Cancer Research UK.
Writing on Instagram, Ms King said the diagnosis has “tested me in ways I never imagined, but it has also given me a renewed sense of purpose”.
Alongside the post she shared a video of her and Labour MP Dawn Butler in conversation, in which King said it was “devastating”, and urged people to try and get an early diagnosis, and if they think something is wrong “do not take no for an answer” from their doctor.
Underneath the post, singer and The X Factor winner Alexandra Burke, Loose Women panellist Judi Love and JLS singer Oritse Williams sent messages of support.
Williams wrote: “Strength and prayers all the way for you Kanya. To encourage and think of others whilst going through this is a true testament of your character.”
While Love called Ms King “a truly incredible Queen for all that you’re doing for the industry and talent”, adding: “We pray nothing but healing and comfort at this difficult time.”
Ms King, who grew up in a small council flat in Kilburn, northwest London – began the MOBO Awards while working as a TV researcher.
The inaugural event took place in 1996 at London’s Grand Connaught Rooms and has gone on to honour artists such as Dave, Ghetts, Headie One, Aitch and Mercury Prize winner Little Simz.
In 2018 Ms King received a CBE for her services to music and culture, having become an MBE in 1999.
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MOBO award nominations announced
She has also been honoured with an honorary fellowship by Goldsmiths, University of London, an honorary doctorate of Business Administration at London Metropolitan University and an honorary doctorate of music from Leeds Metropolitan University.
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Ms King will continue to lead the organisation as it prepares for next year’s MOBO Awards and the milestone of its 30th anniversary in 2026.
Ghetts, Jorja Smith and Central Cee are among those leading nominations for the awards in 2025, which will take place in Newcastle in February.