This month will see a series of activities in celebration of the MOBO Awards’ 30th anniversary. The celebrations will honour the people, music, and legacy of its pioneering founder, Kanya King CBE.
Celebrations
Launching Wednesday 18 November, is the celebratory display at V&A East Storehouse of a collection of memorabilia from MOBO’s history. The carefully curated selection from the MOBO archive will remain on view in East London until summer 2027. This also coincides with the conclusion of V&A East Museum’s inaugural exhibition, The Music is Black: A British Story.
18 November 2026 marks exactly 30 years since the first ceremony at The New Connaught Rooms in Central London. Founded by Kanya King CBE to champion Black music, culture and talent, the MOBO Awards is now a cultural movement. Through this movement, it celebrates generations of artists and creates opportunities across music and the wider creative industries.
Also on Wednesday 18 November, is the meaningful tribute to Kanya King CBE at her former school. Queens Park Community College will honour the founder with a special MOBO Paving the Way stone.
The unveiling brings Kanya’s extraordinary journey full circle in honouring her roots and impact. It also follows Kanya’s surprise reception of the MOBO Paving the Way Award at the 2025 MOBO Awards in Newcastle. This served to recognise her groundbreaking contribution to music, culture, and creation of opportunities for future talented generations.
Another celebration is the final weeks of the free immersive installation at Outernet London. Audiences are taken on a journey through three decades of music, culture, and the legacy of Kanya King CBE. The iconic screens in central London presents the special display until the commemorative 18th November 2026.
Kanya King’s Impact
“This anniversary year has taken on a much deeper meaning for all of us following Kanya’s passing. While we miss her enormously, we’re incredibly proud to celebrate everything she achieved and the extraordinary legacy she leaves behind. Thirty years ago, Kanya had a vision to create a space where Black music and culture could be celebrated and given the recognition it deserved. Her vision remains at the heart of everything we do, and we’re excited to carry that forward for the next 30 years and beyond.”“ – MOBO Organisation
“The MOBO Awards has brought us so many special moments over the last three decades and has been such an amazing platform for supporting and nurturing Black music. With the sad passing of Kanya King shortly after the 30th awards ceremony, it feels even more special and necessary to be celebrating MOBO’s legacy and impact on BBC One.” – DJ Target
“MOBO has given us some truly unforgettable moments in music, and this programme is a chance to revisit some of the iconic performances and milestones that have helped shape British music and culture over the past 30 years. Kanya King’s contribution to MOBO’s story is immeasurable and it’s important that we take the time to celebrate not only what she created, but the legacy she leaves behind.” – Rachel Davies, BBC Commissioning Editor,
“It’s a privilege to be partnering with MOBO, an organisation which has been so vital in the uplifting and celebration of Black talent and culture. This special display at V&A East Storehouse invites visitors to experience MOBO’s journey firsthand and reflect on Kanya King’s peerless contribution and impressive legacy. As we celebrate this anniversary, we hope to continue to inspire future generations by championing creativity and excellence.” – Dr Gus Casely-Hayford, V&A East Director
Source: mobo.com
Compiled by Ejemen
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