Kanya King

Kanya King, Founder and CEO of MOBO Awards, is an internationally renowned entrepreneur, who has built from nothing a globally respected brand. Kanya's journey started when she was prepared to put everything on the line and re-mortgaged her house in order to raise the necessary finances for the first launch. Now her vision is seen by four hundred million viewers across two hundred countries and has become one of the most prestigious events that A-list celebrities attend. The first MOBO Awards was broadcasted on Carlton Television in 1996 and took place at London's Connaught Rooms, this starred Lionel Richie and Tony Blair.

With Kanya's guidance and shaping the MOBOs represents inclusion, diversity and recognition for BME talent within music, arts, media, fashion and culture. Kanya is an avid charity supporter that has helped many big and small organisations to gain awareness and funding, some of these include, The African-Caribbean Leukaemia Trust, Action Medical Research, Warchild, The Loomba Foundation and From Boyhood to Manhood. Kanya is no stranger in the media, making regular appearances for interviews and features on all major Television and radio channels.

Kanya is one of the most successful female entrepreneurs around which has seen her pick up many awards throughout her career as well as being noticed by a range of different organisations. Kanya was named on the Guardians Top 20 Ethnic Minorities in the Media, Evening Standard's 1000 Most Influential People in London, BBC's Woman's Hour Power List, Mayor's power list and by Real Business in association with the Bank of Scotland as Britain's 100 Most Entrepreneurial Women. For Kanya's huge influence and contributions to her industry she has also received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Music Week Women In Music Awards.

Kanya is a well established public speaker who has attended a massive range of events for a diverse group of clients. With experience hosting charity, community, student and corporate functions Kanya's delivery style is always well enjoyed with one of her previous clients stating "Her endless energy and positivity shines through in her speaking. Our employees left feeling motivated, invigorated and compelled to follow their dreams." From The House of Commons, Universities and banks to numerous other business events and conferences Kanya shares her inspirational story with passion and often follows the theme of 'beating the odds'. Kanya inspires her audiences proving anything is possible no matter where you come from.

With Champions Speakers proudly working as an official speaker agent for Kanya King, in March 2024 we had the opportunity to sit down virtually with Kanya. In our exclusive interview, we discussed stories of what can be achieved with the right attitude and determination to celebrate the success and cultural impact of Black British entrepreneurs in the creative sector. Watch our Exclusive Interview with Kanya King. Additionally, Kanya King was recently featured as one of the 50 Women Who Have Shattered Glass Ceilings, in recognition of her stellar work in driving cultural change.