Kanya King facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Kanya King
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King at the Asian Awards in 2014
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| Born | 1969 (age 55–56) Kilburn, London, England
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| Nationality | British |
| Occupation | Entrepreneur |
| Known for | Founder of the MOBO Awards |
Kanya King is a British entrepreneur. She is famous for starting the MOBO Awards. These awards celebrate music of Black origin. She was born in Kilburn, London in 1969.
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About Kanya King
Kanya King was born in 1969 in Kilburn, London. Her mother was Irish and her father was Ghanaian. She was the youngest of nine children. Her father, Christian Ocloo, passed away when she was 13 years old.
Kanya faced challenges early in life. She left school at age 16. Despite this, she worked hard to achieve her dreams. She became a successful entrepreneur. An entrepreneur is someone who starts and runs their own business.
Achievements and Awards
Kanya King is best known for creating the MOBO Awards. MOBO stands for "Music of Black Origin." She wanted to celebrate and recognize talented artists in genres like R&B, soul, hip hop, gospel, and reggae.
Starting the MOBO Awards
The very first MOBO Awards show happened in 1996. It took place in London at the Connaught Rooms. The show was even broadcast on Carlton Television. This was a big step for Black music in the UK.
Special Recognition
Kanya King has received many honors for her work.
- She was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in 1999.
- Later, she was promoted to a CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) in 2018. These awards are given by the British monarch for great achievements.
She also received special recognition from universities:
- She earned a degree from Goldsmiths' College.
- She was later given an honorary fellowship from Goldsmiths, University of London in 2004.
- In 2006, she received an honorary doctorate of Business Administration from London Metropolitan University.
- She also got an honorary doctorate of Music from Leeds Metropolitan University in 2008. An honorary doctorate is a special degree given to someone who has achieved a lot, even if they didn't study at that university.
Influence and Media
Kanya King has been recognized as one of Britain's most influential people.
- In 2011, the London Evening Standard named her one of London's Most Influential People.
- She was also listed as one of Britain's Most Entrepreneurial Women.
- Kanya is regularly featured in the Powerlist. This list names Britain's Most Influential Black People.
- In 2016, the music industry honored her with the "Media Pioneer Award" at the Music Week Women In Music Awards.
Kanya King has shared her story in interviews.
- In 2017, she spoke to the Evening Standard about building the MOBO Awards.
- She also talked to the NME about the importance of diversity in creative industries.
- She appeared on the ITV series Fortune - Million Pound Giveaway in 2007. On this show, she and other successful people decided which ideas to support with money.
In 2013, Kanya King was named one of the 100 most powerful women in the UK by Woman's Hour on BBC Radio 4. She was also featured on the BBC's 100 Women list. In 2015, she was listed among the 100 Most Influential British Entrepreneurs by Richtopia.
Other Awards and Honors
Kanya King has received many other awards, including:
- CBE (2018)
- Honorary Fellow of Goldsmiths, University of London
- Honorary Doctorate of Business Administration, London Metropolitan University
- Honoured Patron of Music at the City of Westminster College
- "Contribution to Music Award" from the Ghana Black Star Network
- Ambassador Award at the 12th annual NatWest Everywoman Awards
- Honorary PhD, University of the Arts, for her success in creative industries
- Honorary Doctorate of Laws, University of Exeter, for her achievements in entrepreneurship
- Lifetime Achievement Award from the Institute of Enterprise and Entrepreneurship (IOEE)
- Honorary Doctorate of Music, Leeds Metropolitan University and SOAS University of London.
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