Kanya King, the founder and CEO of MOBO, has received an honorary degree from the University of West London.
Recognising Kanya’s work in championing Black British music, UWL senior vice pro-chancellor Sara Raybould called her a ‘leading light’ as she presented her with the Honorary Doctor of Music.
Sara went on to say that ‘Kanya has displayed the drive and ambition to help take British black music from the margins of popular culture to the heart of mainstream culture, in the UK and worldwide.’
‘Kanya has built MOBO into a globally respected brand, and with her guidance, it has established itself as a champion of diversity, inclusion and recognition for talent within music, culture, art, fashion, media and larger society as a whole,’ she continued.
‘I know there are generations of Black people who would want to thank you for changing their lives if they were standing here today. So, thank you for your amazing work, for your inspiration, your bravery, your passion and your vision. You have given a true opportunity to so many people.’
Kanya founded the MOBO Awards in 1996 to celebrate excellence in hip hop, grime, RnB/soul, reggae, jazz, gospel and African music. Among other accolades, she received an MBE in 1999 and a CBE in 2018. MOBO recently launched MOBOLISE, a career and networking platform established to support young Black creative talent.
Receiving her honorary doctorate, Kanya said, ‘I failed in my educational achievements, disappointing all those around me including my mother, who wanted me to be a teacher. Therefore it is a big moment for me to be able to congratulate all the new graduates and their parents for all of your accomplishments. When I embarked on my journey, I never realised how important having perseverance, drive and a clear purpose was. This gave me the strength and motivation to pursue my goals whenever I faced rejection.’
