Mobo Awards founder Kanya King CBE has announced that she has recently been diagnosed with stage four bowel cancer. The devastating diagnosis means that a primary cancer has spread to other parts of the body.

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The 55-year-old created the iconic event which recognises and celebrates music of black origin, with the inaugural event taking place at London's Grand Connaught Rooms in 1996. Since its inception, the MOBOs have grown with black British artists and has gone from recognising the contributions of garage artists such as Kele le roc, to grime artists and household names including Ghetts, Dave and Little Simz.

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North-london King shared the news of her diagnosis while speaking at London’s Troxy as she accepted a lifetime achievement prize at the Live Awards. Along with the heartbreaking video announcement that she posted to her personal Instagram, King shared: 

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“Learning I have stage 4 bowel cancer was something I never saw coming. It's a club I never wanted to join, and yet here I am, still processing this unexpected reality. 

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This diagnosis has tested me in ways I never imagined, but it has also given me a renewed sense of purpose. Life isn't just about how long you live; it's about how deeply you live. I want to use my platform to shine a light on the importance of health equity and to empower others facing chronic illnesses to keep pushing forward.”

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In the most altruistic fashion possible, King has still placed serving and aiding her community at the top of her to-do-list, stating:

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 'This diagnosis isn't the end of my story - it's a chance to inspire resilience, raise awareness, use this moment to not only fight my own battle but to amplify the message of early detection and the importance of proactively taking charge of your health. If my story can save just one life, then it's a story worth telling.'

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Comments of support have quickly flooded King's announcement post, including from black British artists whose voices King has helped amplify. Among them are former X-factor stars Alexandra Burke and Ortise Williams. Williams perfectly captured the sentiment of the community with the following comment:

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“Strength and prayers all the way for you Kanya. To encourage and think of others whilst going through this is a true testament of your character.”

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Labour MPs Dawn Butler and Abena Oppong-Asare, and presenter Judi Love were among others who rushed to share messages of support and encouragement to King. 

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King's life has been filled with accolades and contributions that most people only dream of making. In 2018 King received a CBE for her services to music and culture, having become an MBE in 1999.

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Despite the devastating diagnosis, King will also continue to lead the organisation as it prepares to celebrate the milestone of its 30th anniversary in 2026, with Jorja Smith and Ghetts among the artists leading the 

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