Kanya King CBE Honoured by Veuve Clicquot as MOBO Celebrates 30 Years of Cultural Impact

Kanya King CBE, the founder of the MOBO awards has received a nomination for the Bold Woman Awards, a prestigious award that was first launched in 1972 by Veuve Clicquot. The Bold Woman Award has stood as a global benchmark for recognising outstanding women who lead with vision and intention and was inspired by the legacy of Madame Clicquot, who transformed her champagne house into international success. This award celebrates those who have broken glass ceilings and pushed boundaries by redefining success. As this award spans 27 countries and has already honoured 450 pioneering leaders, its recognised as a powerful, international community of women shaping the future.

As the MOBO Awards celebrate their 30th year in 2026, this respected nomination marks a milestone for King. From re-mortgaging her house because she believed in her idea so deeply, she went on to reshape celebrating black Britsh music and its cultural landscape. What began in 1996 as a single awards ceremony has evolved into one of Europe’s most influential celebration of Black music and culture.

MOBO's now spans talent development, education, heritage, enterprise, and community impact. More than 30,000 people engage with MOBO’s programmes each year, while the MOBO Help Musicians Fund has delivered £1 million in direct support to grassroots artists. At a time when Black British music was often overlooked or sidelined, MOBO created a platform that not only recognised talent but propelled it into the mainstream. Generations of artists - from emerging voices to global superstars - have passed through, paving the way of what it means to be black and British in music.

King's vision also extends beyond music, too. House of MOBO was designed as a live music venue and cultural hub, built on a legacy of creativity and community. Celebrating African and Caribbean culture where people can enjoy intimate live gigs, open-mic nights, creative workshops, screenings and cultural events that bring people together.

As MOBO looks ahead to its 30th year, its legacy feels secure and still unfolding. That duality of honouring the past while building for the future is something King has always navigated with clarity and intent. It’s also what makes this moment of recognition by Veuve Clicquot feel like a continuation of success.