June 25th: Today's Feature

June

Kanya King, the youngest of nine children, was born in 1969 in Kilburn, London. Her mother was Irish and her father was Ghanaian. Tragically, her father passed away when she was just 13 years old. At the age of 16, she became a mother herself and made the difficult decision to leave school.

Achievements

The inaugural MOBO Awards ceremony was held in 1996 at the prestigious Connaught Rooms in London, with the event being broadcast on Carlton Television. It marked the beginning of a significant cultural celebration that aimed to recognise and honour the achievements of Black artists in the music industry. The MOBO Awards quickly gained popularity and became a highly anticipated annual event that continues to showcase the talent and contributions of Black musicians and performers.

In 1999, King was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in recognition of her outstanding contributions to the music industry and her dedication to promoting diversity and inclusion. This prestigious honour was followed by a promotion to Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the 2018 Birthday Honours List, highlighting King's continued impact and influence in the entertainment sector.

Over the years, King has received numerous accolades and awards for her significant achievements and contributions. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) from Goldsmiths' College and was later bestowed with an honorary fellowship from Goldsmiths, University of London in 2004.

Additionally, she received an honorary doctorate of Business Administration from London Metropolitan University in 2006 and an honorary doctorate of Music from Leeds Metropolitan University in 2008. King's remarkable accomplishments have earned her recognition as one of London's Most Influential People, one of Britain's Most Entrepreneurial Women, and one of Britain's Most Influential Black People, solidifying her status as a trailblazer in the music industry.

Kanya King, the founder of the MOBO Awards, has been recognised for her remarkable journey and achievements in various platforms. In an interview with the Evening Standard in 2017, King shared her inspiring story of building the MOBO Awards brand while being a single mother at the young age of 16. This narrative not only highlights her determination and resilience but also serves as a testament to her ability to overcome challenges and succeed against all odds.

Furthermore, King has been an advocate for diversity and inclusion in the creative industry. In a conversation with the NME, she emphasised the importance of providing equal opportunities for individuals from all backgrounds to thrive in the music and entertainment sector. Her commitment to promoting diversity has been instrumental in breaking down barriers and creating a more inclusive environment for aspiring artists and professionals.

Influence

In addition to her work in the music industry, King has also made significant contributions as an entrepreneur. Her appearance on the ITV series Fortune - Million Pound Giveaway in 2007 showcased her alongside four esteemed panel members, where they evaluated pitches from contestants and awarded grants based on merit. This experience not only demonstrated King's business acumen but also highlighted her ability to make impactful decisions and support aspiring entrepreneurs.

King's influence and accomplishments have not gone unnoticed. In 2013, she was recognised as one of the 100 most powerful women in the United Kingdom by Woman's Hour on BBC Radio 4. Her inclusion in this prestigious list is a testament to her significant contributions and influence in various spheres. Additionally, she was featured on the BBC's 100 Women, further solidifying her status as a prominent figure in the industry.

Furthermore, King's impact extends beyond national borders. In 2015, she was listed by Richtopia, a UK-based company, as one of the 100 Most Influential British Entrepreneurs. This recognition highlights her global influence and the profound effect she has had on the entrepreneurial landscape. King's dedication, vision, and entrepreneurial spirit have undoubtedly positioned her as a trailblazer and role model for aspiring entrepreneurs worldwide.

Legacy & Honours

Kanya King has been honoured with numerous prestigious awards in recognition of her remarkable achievements and her influential role as a champion for diversity and inclusion in the creative industry. Among these accolades are an Honorary PhD from the University of the Arts, which acknowledges her unwavering dedication and remarkable accomplishments within the creative industries. Additionally, she has been bestowed with an Honorary Doctorate of Laws from the University of Exeter, in recognition of her outstanding contributions to the field of entrepreneurship.

Furthermore, Kanya King has been honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Institute of Enterprise and Entrepreneurship (IOEE), a testament to her exceptional career and significant impact in the entrepreneurial realm.

Moreover, she has been awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Music from both Leeds Metropolitan University and SOAS University of London, further highlighting her profound influence and contributions to the world of music.

These esteemed awards serve as a testament to Kanya King's exceptional talent, dedication, and unwavering commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion within the creative industry.