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 | Kilburn, London, England
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12 February 1969
Nationality | British |
Occupation | Entrepreneur |
Known for | Founder of the MOBO Awards |
Kanya King is a British entrepreneur born on February 12, 1969, in Kilburn, London. She is famous for creating the MOBO Awards, which celebrate music of Black origin.
Contents
About Kanya King
Kanya King was born in 1969 in Kilburn, London. She was the youngest of nine children. Her mother was Irish, and her father was Ghanaian. When she was 16, she became a mother. She then focused on raising her son.
Creating the MOBO Awards
Kanya King had a big idea to celebrate music. She wanted to create an awards show for music of Black origin. This idea became the MOBO Awards.
The First MOBO Awards
The very first MOBO Awards show happened in 1996. It took place in London at the Connaught Rooms. Carlton Television broadcasted the event. This was a huge step for recognizing diverse music talent.
Awards and Recognition
Kanya King has received many honors for her work. In 1999, she was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE). This is an award from the British monarch for special achievements. Later, in 2018, she was promoted to CBE. This stands for Commander of the Order of the British Empire, an even higher honor.
Academic Achievements
Kanya King also has a strong academic background. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Goldsmiths' College. She has also received several honorary doctorates. These special degrees recognize her achievements in business and music. For example, she received an honorary doctorate from London Metropolitan University in 2006. She also got one from Leeds Metropolitan University in 2008.
Influential Person
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 has also been listed in the Powerlist. This list features some of Britain's most influential Black people. In 2016, the music industry gave her the "Media Pioneer Award." This award celebrated her groundbreaking work in media.
Media Appearances
Kanya King has shared her story in various interviews. She talked to the Evening Standard about building the MOBO Awards. She also discussed diversity in the creative industry with NME. In 2007, she appeared on the ITV show Fortune - Million Pound Giveaway. On this show, she helped decide which people would receive grants for their ideas.
In February 2013, Kanya King was named one of the 100 most powerful women in the UK. This recognition came from Woman's Hour on BBC Radio 4. She was also featured on the BBC's 100 Women list. In 2015, she was listed as one of the 100 Most Influential British Entrepreneurs by Richtopia.
Honors and Awards
- 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" granted by the Ghana Black Star Network
- Ambassador Award at the 12th annual NatWest Everywoman Awards
- Honorary PhD, University of the Arts, for her work in creative industries
- Honorary Doctorate of Laws, University of Exeter, for 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.