
The founder and CEO of MOBO Awards, Kanya King 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.
Social Media

17.8K
How to hire Kanya King
Contact the Champions Speakers agency to provisionally enquire about Kanya King for your event today. Simply call a booking agent on 0207 1010 553 or email us at [email protected] for more information.
** We do not accept requests for autographs, signed merchandise, fan mail, birthday messages or any other non-commercial contact with the speakers or acts. Each speaker on the website may not have necessarily worked with Champions in the past but are known to perform such engagements within the industry.
Feedback from virtual events and webinars
During the Covid-19 pandemic and the temporary halt of live events, Kanya was booked as the exciting guest speaker for a range of virtual events and webinars. Read her latest feedback from virtual events below.
"Kanya was great today - she spoke in front of 80 people, both men and women, and was very honest and inspiring" - Victoria, Chief Communications Officer, Motorway Online Ltd
"Everyone has been well and truly blown away by Kanya today, feedback that it was the best talk that they've ever been to in Simply Business and I can only echo that feedback. Kanya truly captivated the entire audience and I'm so thankful to have had Kanya speak today" - Serena, TechOps Analyst, Simply Business
Feedback from in-person events
Kanya is also booked as the guest speaker for a range of in-person events. Read her latest feedback from in-person events below.
"Really great thank you!! She was a great inspiration and perfect way to close our team meeting." - Rav, Snapchat
"Kanya is an inspiration to women around the world! Listening to her journey really kicked off the launch of our diversity & inclusion program. Her endless energy and positivity shines through in her speaking. Our employees left feeling motivated, invigorated and compelled to follow their dreams." - AOL International
“Thanks again for your tremendous contribution to our conference on Friday. The feedback has been outstanding from delegates and sponsors and the tweeting was just unprecedented for IoD – UK wide, not just here." - Linda, IoD Northern Ireland
“It was great to have Kanya to speak – we have received some great feedback and our audience loved hearing your story." - Joanna, Partner Ernst & Young LLP
"She gave us an amazing in depth speech and answered all questions both coherently and comprehensively – so I think it’s fair to say Kanya was the best choice for our event. We have had glowing reviews from our participants who were impressed by her and also the fact that they were able to interact and ask her questions!" - Kofi, Deloitte