Kanya King, the founder of the MOBO Awards, has died aged 57 after being diagnosed with colon cancer.
Her death was announced on Friday. She revealed in 2024 that she had been living with Colon cancer.
In a statement, the MOBO Organisation said: "It is with immeasurable sorrow that the MOBO Organisation announces the passing of its Founder and CEO, Kanya King CBE.
"Kanya passed away peacefully on 3 June 2026 after a courageous and characteristically determined battle with colon cancer. She was surrounded by her family, close friends and love. The music world has lost one of its most fearless champions."
The organisation said the 2026 MOBO Awards would be dedicated to her memory, adding:
"The 2026 MOBO Awards, held during the Organisation’s landmark 30th anniversary year, will be dedicated entirely to her memory. Every artist, every moment and every note will carry her legacy."
After receiving the Premier Gospel outstanding contribution award in 2023, she said her deep faith helped her to overcome so much.
King founded MOBO in 1996 after remortgaging her home, launching the awards to champion Black British music and culture.
She received a CBE and was widely recognised for her influence on UK music, with artists including Stormzy, Craig David and Amy Winehouse among those celebrated by the awards.