Kanya King founded the MOBO Awards, Saturday Quiz reveals
Kanya King founded the MOBO Awards, Saturday Quiz reveals

In this week's Saturday Quiz, readers were asked: which awards were founded by the late Kanya King? The answer is the MOBO Awards (Music Of Black Origin). Kanya King, who passed away in 2025, was the visionary founder of the MOBO Awards, which have celebrated black music and culture since 1996.

Kanya King's Legacy

King established the MOBO Awards to recognize artists of black heritage across genres such as R&B, hip-hop, grime, gospel, and reggae. The awards have become a cornerstone of the UK music industry, launching careers and highlighting diverse talent. According to the MOBO organization, the awards have honored hundreds of artists and contributed significantly to the visibility of black music globally.

The Saturday Quiz

The quiz question appeared in the July 4, 2026 edition of The Guardian's Saturday Quiz. Other questions covered topics ranging from science to pop culture, but King's connection to the MOBOs stood out as a tribute to her lasting impact. The quiz serves as a weekly challenge for readers to test their knowledge on a variety of subjects.

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Impact of the MOBO Awards

Since their inception, the MOBO Awards have been a platform for emerging and established black artists. The awards have also expanded to include categories for film, TV, and sports. King's work was recognized with an MBE in 2007 for services to the music industry. The MOBO Awards continue to be held annually, celebrating the best in black music and culture.

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