020 8914 8966
020 8914 8966
Kanya is an inspiration to women around the world! Listening to her journey really kicked off the launch of our diversity & inclusion program. Her endless energy and positivity shines through in her speaking. Our employees left feeling motivated, invigorated and compelled to follow their dreams.
AOL International
Kanya King – Regarded as One of London’s Most Influential People by The Evening Standard & Former DEI Advisor at SKY
Kanya King is a pioneering entrepreneur and the visionary founder of the MOBO Awards, one of the most influential platforms celebrating Black music and culture globally. From remortgaging her home to fund the first event in 1996, she has built a brand that now reaches hundreds of millions worldwide. Recognised with both an MBE and a CBE, she has been a powerful advocate for diversity and inclusion across the creative industries, making her one of the most respected cultural figures in Britain today.
Speaking Topics:
- Diversity & Inclusion
- Taking on Challenges
- Women in Business
- Female Leadership
- Entrepreneurship
- Overcoming Adversity
Credentials and Impact
Kanya’s influence in the creative industry spans decades of transformative impact. Her early career began in television production, where she gained valuable insight into the workings of the media industry. Identifying a significant lack of representation for Black and minority ethnic artists, she set out to challenge the status quo. In 1996, she founded the MOBO Awards, which marked the beginning of a movement that would go on to transform the British music landscape.
Kanya’s leadership has since expanded MOBO’s presence beyond music, supporting arts, media, fashion and culture through initiatives and partnerships. She has been awarded honorary doctorates from London Metropolitan and Leeds Metropolitan Universities in recognition of her entrepreneurial achievements and commitment to social change. Over the years, she has appeared on numerous national power lists, including Woman’s Hour’s 100 Most Powerful Women in the UK and the Evening Standard’s Most Influential People in London. Her journey from grassroots beginnings to building a global brand showcases not only her resilience and vision but also her dedication to driving inclusion and celebrating diverse talent across the creative industries.
Publications and Media
Kanya has made a lasting impact through her contributions to media, regularly appearing on major UK television and radio platforms such as BBC One, ITV, Channel 4, Sky News, BBC Radio 1 and BBC Radio 4. She has featured in a variety of documentaries, including the BBC’s ‘Black Music Moguls’ and Channel 4’s ‘Music Nation’, where her insights into the music industry and cultural representation have been widely praised. In 2025, she published her debut book, ‘Finding Your MOBO’, a motivational guide drawing on her personal journey to empower aspiring entrepreneurs, particularly from minority backgrounds. She was also recently highlighted in 50 Women Who Have Shattered Glass Ceilings, a feature recognising her groundbreaking work in driving cultural change. Her media presence continues to inspire audiences and promote greater inclusion within the industry.
Why Book Kanya?
Kanya is booked as a creative industry speaker for her extraordinary journey, cultural leadership and ability to inspire change. Her talks are known for their authenticity and motivational power, often focusing on overcoming adversity and breaking barriers. She has delivered speeches at a wide range of events, including the House of Commons, major universities, financial institutions and corporate conferences. Kanya’s style is energetic, honest and uplifting, consistently leaving audiences feeling empowered and ready to pursue their ambitions.
Recognised with a CBE and listed on the Powerlist of Britain’s Most Influential Black People, she has also received prestigious honours such as the Media Pioneer Award and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Institute of Enterprise and Entrepreneurship. With her powerful presence and deep understanding of diversity and inclusion in the creative sector, Kanya brings unique value and lasting impact to every stage she appears on.
To book Kanya to speak at your event, call SpeakOut on +44 (0) 20 8914 8966. Alternatively, complete our contact form to begin your enquiry.
