What Can We Learn From Kanya King?
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1 day ago
'If the door won’t open, build your own'
You don’t always have to be the loudest in the room to exert influence, says Michael Hayman.
MOBO Awards Founder Kanya King Shares Her Best Life Advice
There are people who blaze trails not for their own glory, but so others can walk more easily with them. Kanya King is one of those rare individuals. The founder of the MOBO Awards – honouring British ‘music of black origin’ every year since 1996 – has long been celebrated as a pioneer in music and culture, but her true legacy lies in the lives she’s lifted, the doors she’s opened, and the quiet, consistent kindness that defines her.
I recently had the privilege of presenting King with a Lifetime Achievement Award – a moment that moved me deeply. To see someone who has spent her life creating opportunity for others being recognised so wholeheartedly was something I won’t forget. In an age where applause often seems to be reserved for the loudest voices, King’s ovation was for something far rarer: a life lived in the service of others.
Her speech was extraordinary. Delivered in the wake of a diagnosis of Stage 4 cancer, it wasn’t a message of defeat – it was a declaration of determination. Her rallying cry was clear, don’t wait for permission. If the door won’t open, build your own. Be the CEO of your life, not just your business. And remember that legacy isn’t something you leave behind; it’s something you live, every day.
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She said, ‘As I reflect on my journey, I know that MOBO has always been bigger than an awards show. It has been about creating lasting change, about honouring talent, celebrating culture, and breaking down barriers. And as we approach MOBO’s 30th anniversary in 2026, this milestone will be more than a celebration. It will be a movement.’ That vision of a future shaped by courage, community, and culture ignited the room.
King’s journey hasn’t been conventional. She didn’t come from privilege. She didn’t inherit a blueprint. But what she did have was a fierce belief in the value of what others overlooked. When she launched MOBO, the industry didn’t see the need. She did. She saw talent where others saw risk. She saw inclusion where others saw indifference. And she built something the world couldn’t ignore.
Her impact on my own life came in a way that was completely typical of her: quietly generous. I received an honorary degree from the University of London some years ago. It was only much later that I discovered it was King who had nominated me. No fanfare. Just a simple, heartfelt gesture to lift someone else up.
That’s the essence of her leadership. Not just visionary, but generous. Not just successful, but significant. As MOBO moves into its fourth decade, King’s influence is only growing. Through the MOBO Trust, she’s ensuring the next generation is empowered with the tools and platforms they need to thrive.
Kanya King reminds us that real power lies not in what you take, but in what you give. Her kindness is not an aside to her success, it is its foundation. In a world obsessed with hustle, her power is quieter. One built on belief, purpose, and love. And that really is an achievement for a lifetime.
Kanya’s Tips
Create Your Own Opportunities
Don’t wait for permission. The most transformative ideas often start as something no one else sees value in. If the door doesn’t open, build your own.
Be The CEO Of Your Life
Success isn’t just about what you achieve, but how you live. Take charge of your health, happiness, and decisions with the same energy you put into your work.
Your Legacy Starts Now
Everything you do today lays the foundation for those who follow. Make decisions that will inspire, uplift, and create lasting change beyond your own journey.
