Kanya King: Inspiring Diversity
Kanya King is an entrepreneur, keynote speaker, and founder of the MOBO Awards who champions diversity, inclusion, and cultural recognition in the global music industry.
- Highlights:
- Founder and CEO of the MOBO Awards
- Champion of diversity and inclusion in music, media, and culture
- Recognized on the Powerlist of Britain’s Most Influential Black People
- Named among the UK’s Most Powerful Women and Most Influential People in London
- Formats:
Keynote Speaker and Cultural Entrepreneur
- Audiences:
Corporate leaders, diversity and inclusion initiatives, media organizations, cultural institutions, universities, and conferences focused on entrepreneurship, innovation, and representation.
- Outcomes:
- Insights into building inclusive platforms that elevate underrepresented voices
- Lessons on entrepreneurship, perseverance, and cultural leadership
- Inspiration to foster diversity and equality across industries
- Travels from: London, UK
- **Fee range: On Request
Keynote Topics
Inspiring
Founder of the international Mobo Awards, the largest urban music awards in Europe
Kanya King MBE is living proof of the old adage that a genuine leader molds rather than seeks consensus. An internationally renowned entrepreneur through her role as CEO, founder, and visionary, of the MOBO Awards,
Kanya has displayed the rare drive and ambition needed to help take black music from the margins of British popular culture, made by disenfranchised artists, to the heart of the mainstream culture in the UK and around the world.
Talent Short Bio
Kanya King is an influential entrepreneur, cultural leader, and keynote speaker best known as the founder and CEO of the MOBO Awards, a groundbreaking awards ceremony created to recognize and celebrate music of Black origin. Through her leadership, the MOBO Awards have become one of the most important platforms for honoring artists across genres including reggae, hip hop, grime, rap, jazz, and R&B.
Since launching the awards in 1996, King has helped bring global recognition to numerous artists and cultural innovators. Performers and honorees have included internationally acclaimed artists such as Usher, Leona Lewis, and Goldie. The ceremony has been broadcast worldwide and viewed by audiences in more than 200 countries, helping amplify diverse voices across the music and entertainment industries.
Beyond the MOBO Awards, King has expanded her impact through initiatives such as DanceStar and World Dance Music Awards. She also supports numerous charitable organizations, including African Caribbean Leukaemia Trust, War Child, Action Medical Research, and The Loomba Foundation.
Read Full Bio
Kanya King is the founder and CEO of the MOBO Awards, an awards ceremony established to appreciate music from black backgrounds.
Passionate to create a more diverse and inclusive world, Kanya has increased representation of the genres of reggae, jazz, hip hop, grime and rap and recognised people from black backgrounds across music, arts, media, culture and fashion- bringing increased awareness to diverse cultures worldwide.
Since the first MOBO Awards, stars such as Goldie, Usher, Leona Lewis, Young T & Bugsy and more have been recognised. Kanya has fronted the awards for many years, watched by thousands in over 200 different countries. Outside of her work with the MOBO Awards, Kanya is also the co-founder of DanceStar and The World Dance Music Awards along with supporting charities such as The African Caribbean Leukaemia Trust, Warchild, Action Medical Research and The Loomba Foundation.
Kanya King has also been ranked on the 100 Most Powerful Women in the UK list, the London’s Most Influential People list, the Top 30 Ethnic Minorities in the Media list and named as one of Britain’s Most Entrepreneurial Women. She has also claimed the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Institute of Enterprise and Entrepreneurship and the Ambassador Award at the NatWest Everywoman Awards.
Appointed both MBE and CBE, Kanya is a role model of diversity and inclusion and has revolutionised the music industry with her inclusive awards. Having represented those forgotten by traditional awards, Kanya has set the standards for equality and is a fantastic female motivational speaker to encourage inclusion across society as a whole.
Kanya is a very experienced and accomplished Public Speaker. She has had the pleasure of speaking at varied events and a diverse group of clients have enjoyed her inspirational life story and benefited from tips for budding and established entrepreneurs alike. Kanya King been hosted at community, charity, student and corporate functions including The House of Commons, Universities and Banks and at numerous business events and conferences.
Contact us at Speakers Inc and follow us on LinkedIn
Videos
Interest to Book? Send us your enquiry
No reviews available for this post.
Talent FAQ's
Do speakers charge a flat fee or by the hour?
Speaker fees can vary depending on factors such as expertise, demand, and event specifics. While some speakers may charge a flat fee for their services, others may have hourly rates. It’s best to discuss fee structures directly with the speaker or their representative to understand the pricing model.
What is the typical duration of a keynote speech and what is included?
Keynote speeches typically range from 30 to 90 minutes, with the duration determined by the speaker’s expertise, the event’s agenda, and audience preferences. Keynote speeches often include a combination of inspirational stories, practical insights, and actionable advice tailored to the event’s theme or objectives.
Does the scale of the event and audience size affect a speaker’s fee?
The scale of the event and audience size can indeed impact a speaker’s fee. Larger events with a broader reach or higher attendance may command higher fees due to increased exposure and demand. Conversely, smaller events or niche audiences may offer opportunities for more flexible pricing arrangements.
Travel expenses and other costs
Travel expenses such as transportation, accommodation, and meals are typically negotiated separately from the speaker’s fee. These costs vary depending on the speaker’s location, travel distance, and event duration. It’s important to clarify travel arrangements and expenses during the booking process to avoid misunderstandings.
Deposits and securing a booking
Many speakers require a deposit to secure a booking, with the remaining balance due closer to the event date. Deposits are often non-refundable and serve as a commitment from both parties. It’s advisable to discuss deposit requirements and payment terms with the speaker or their representative when finalizing the booking.
Additional tips and takeaways
- Virtual speaking appearances are a cost-effective alternative to high speaking fees, often 10-50% cheaper than in-person rates.
- There is typically no difference in fee for a 15-minute speech versus a 60-minute speech.
- Some motivational speakers are open to discounting their fee if hired for more than one event by the same organization.
- When browsing speakers, consider their location to keep travel costs down.
- Personal connections to your organization or event location can increase your chances of securing a renowned speaker.
- Be upfront about your needs and expectations to ensure a successful partnership.
- Speaker bureaus like Speakers Inc help guide you through the booking process to negotiate the best deal with favorable terms.
Ready to find the perfect speaker for your event? Use our advanced search feature or contact us to get started today!
View further speakers
- (56)
Dr. Martha Rogers, recognized globally for her groundbreaking work in customer-focused business strategies, is a thought leader who has transformed the landscape of customer relationship management (CRM) and customer experience (CX). With over 25 years of expertise, Dr. Rogers is the co-founder of the Peppers & Rogers Group, a consultancy that has shaped the strategic […]
- Travels from: New York, NY
- Customer Experience
- (27)
Louie Gravance is a globally celebrated authority in customer service, employee engagement, and corporate culture transformation. With an unparalleled ability to captivate audiences, Louie translates his rich expertise into actionable strategies that inspire organizations to create unforgettable customer experiences and foster thriving workplace cultures. As a former Disney Institute Professor, Louie brings the magic of […]
- Travels from: Orlando, FL
- Culture Speakers
- (7)
Chris Dyer is a dynamic leader and globally recognized authority on leadership, company culture, and business growth. With a career marked by innovation and purpose, Chris has transitioned from opening high-end hotels in Hollywood to becoming a highly sought-after consultant, speaker, and author. His unique ability to foster thriving cultures and develop purpose-driven leadership has […]
- Travels from: Anaheim, CA
- Culture Speakers
- (19)
Michelle Lee is a trailblazing AI keynote speaker, renowned technology strategist, and leadership expert who is shaping the future of artificial intelligence and digital transformation. As the founder and CEO of Obsidian Strategies, she has carved out a niche in guiding organizations through the complexities of AI adoption, ethical implementation, and future-ready leadership. With a […]
- Travels from: San Francisco, CA
- Futurists Speakers
- (17)
Dr. Elizabeth Lombardo is the authority on how to crush your inner critic so that you can live a life of purpose, fulfillment and True Success™. She’s America’s most trusted celebrity psychologist with over 100 national media interviews including The Today Show, Good Morning America, Dr. Oz, Fox Business News, The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, and […]
- Travels from: Chicago, IL
- Motivational Speakers
- (56)
Simone Biles has an astounding tally of 32 Olympic and World Championship medals, she is not just a dominant force in her sport but also a symbol of perseverance, resilience, and grace. Her journey from a young girl with a dream to a global icon is a testament to her dedication and unyielding spirit. Beyond […]
- Travels from: Houston, TX
- Sporting Speakers
- (45)
Geoffrey Hinton is the winner of the 2024 Nobel Prize in Physics for his pioneering work in artificial intelligence. Hinton has been called “the godfather of AI” and is considered one of the most important thought leaders on the emergence of AI and its implications for business and society. It was Hinton, in 2012, who created […]
- Travels from: Toronto, ON
- Artificial Intelligence
- (17)
Dr. Astrid J. Scholz is co-founder and CFO/COO of Armillaria, a tech-for-good company that creates digital infrastructure for more effectively and equitably mobilizing data, people, and capital towards addressing the most urgent challenges of our time. Integrating contemporary innovations in technology, finance, and law, Armillaria is focused on the development of incentives and mechanisms for […]
- Travels from: Portland, OR
- Entrepreneurship
Disclaimer
These remain the property of its owner and are not affiliated with or endorsed by Speakers Inc.
Fee Range Information
All talent fees exclude VAT, travel and accommodation where required.
