The MOBO Organisation is marking 30 years of championing Black music and culture

The MOBO Organisation is marking 30 years of championing Black music and culture with a series of special activities this November, celebrating three decades of groundbreaking music, unforgettable cultural moments and the extraordinary legacy of its founder, Kanya King CBE.

From a special BBC One programme revisiting some of the most iconic moments in MOBO Awards history, to a dedicated display at V&A East Storehouse and a poignant tribute to Kanya King at her former school, the anniversary celebrations will honour the people, performances and pioneering vision that have shaped MOBO since its inception in 1996.

On Wednesday 11 November 2026 at 10.40PM, BBC One will broadcast a special programme titled ‘MOBO 30: Iconic Moments,’ celebrating 30 years of the MOBO Awards, with presenter DJ Target taking viewers on a journey through some of the most unforgettable performances, defining moments and cultural milestones from the MOBO stage since 1996.

DJ Target says: “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.”

Rachel Davies, BBC Commissioning Editor, says: “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. I’m really pleased to be bringing this celebration to BBC One and sharing these highlights with audiences once again.”

The anniversary celebrations will also see V&A East Storehouse present a special temporary display featuring a selection of memorabilia from the MOBO archive, launching on Wednesday 18 November 2026, marking 30 years of the organisation's contribution to Black music and culture.

Featuring a carefully selected collection of items connected to MOBO's history, the display will offer visitors a glimpse into the organisation's journey since 1996 and the cultural impact it has made over the past three decades. The display will remain on view at V&A East Storehouse in east London until summer 2027, coinciding with the conclusion of V&A East Museum's inaugural exhibition, The Music is Black: A British Story.

Dr Gus Casely-Hayford, V&A East Director, said: “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.”

In a particularly meaningful tribute, Kanya King CBE will be honoured with a special MOBO Paving the Way stone at her former school, Queens Park Community College, on Wednesday 18 November 2026, marking exactly 30 years since the first MOBO Awards ceremony took place.

The unveiling will bring Kanya's extraordinary journey full circle, honouring her roots and the remarkable impact she went on to make across British music and culture. It follows a special moment at the 2025 MOBO Awards in Newcastle, when Kanya was surprised on stage with the MOBO Paving the Way Award, recognising her pioneering contribution to music, culture and the opportunities she created for generations of talent.

The MOBO Paving the Way Award celebrates individuals who have broken barriers, challenged expectations and created opportunities for those following in their footsteps. Previous recipients include Sir Lenny Henry, Ms Dynamite, Nicola Adams, Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill, Sir Idris Elba, Dame Denise Lewis, Wiley and Jamal Edwards.

MOBO Organisation said: "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. What she built went far beyond an awards ceremony. She created a movement that has opened doors, challenged perceptions and helped shape the careers of generations of artists.

"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. From revisiting iconic MOBO moments on BBC One to sharing pieces of our history at V&A East and honouring Kanya at the school she once attended, each of these moments tells a different part of the MOBO story.

"As we mark 30 years, it's also important that we continue looking ahead. Kanya always believed in creating opportunities for the next generation, and that's something we're more committed to than ever. 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."

18 November 2026 marks exactly 30 years since the first MOBO Awards ceremony at the The New Connaught Rooms in Central London, founded by Kanya King CBE with a vision to champion Black music, culture and talent. What began as an awards ceremony has since grown into a cultural movement, breaking down barriers, celebrating generations of artists and creating opportunities across music and the wider creative industries.

As MOBO marks this milestone year, its commitment to carrying forward Kanya's vision remains as strong as ever. Throughout 2026, the organisation has continued to build on that legacy through a landmark year of events, programmes and initiatives spanning music, culture and the wider creative industries.

In March, the 2026 MOBO Awards brought the ceremony to Manchester for the first time, with a sold-out show at Co-op Live, the UK's largest live entertainment arena. Hosted by global rap icon Eve and comedian and broadcaster Eddie Kadi, the star-studded celebration brought together some of the biggest names in music and entertainment, including Olivia Dean, Pharrell Williams, Stephen Graham, Shenseea, Tiwa Savage, Aitch, FLO, Slick Rick, Estelle and Myles Smith, alongside an epic celebration of Grime featuring Wiley, Scorcher, D Double E, Nolay and DJ Target.

Beyond the main stage, MOBO Fringe, alongside MOBOLISE, delivered its most ambitious programme to date, bringing 10 days of live music, industry conversations, talent development and community activities to venues across Manchester.

MOBO's commitment to nurturing emerging talent continued with the nationwide search for the MOBO UnSung Class of 2027, supported by PRS Foundation, which attracted over 1,000 applications from artists across the UK and Ireland. Ten artists will be selected for a six-month development programme in 2027. Meanwhile, MOBO Amplified, in partnership with Help Musicians, continued to provide financial, career development and wellbeing support to musicians creating music of Black origin, building on a decade-long partnership that has awarded 1 million in supporting talent.

November will also mark the first anniversary of House of MOBO, the organisation's South London cultural pub serving food by The Flygerians alongside drinks, live music and entertainment. Since opening in November 2025, the venue has become a vibrant destination for live performances, DJ nights and cultural events.

The anniversary celebrations also include MOBO's immersive installation at Outernet London, taking audiences on a journey through three decades of music, culture and the legacy of Kanya King CBE. Presented across Outernet's iconic screens in central London, the free experience will remain on display until 18 November 2026, marking exactly 30 years since the first MOBO Awards.

About MOBO

Since 1996, the MOBO Organisation has discovered and supported talent in music, film and TV. MOBO operates 365 days a year to create events, content, partnerships and opportunities for young people in the entertainment industries and beyond. For 30 years, the MOBO Awards has remained a significant cultural event in the British music industry, celebrating excellence in Black music and culture. Its enduring legacy as the premier outlet for recognising and honouring the artistic achievements of exceptional British and international talent in Hip-Hop, Grime, R&B and Soul, Reggae, Jazz, Electronic/Dance, Alternative, Gospel and African music has been unparalleled.

Global superstars who have been part of the Awards include Janet Jackson, Olivia Dean, Tina Turner, Sade, Beyoncé, Jay-Z, Lauryn Hill, Central Cee, Usher, Rihanna, Cardi B, Davido, Tems, and Stormzy, just to name a few. The Awards have proudly been hosted across the United Kingdom over the years, including shows in Manchester, London, Liverpool, Leeds, Glasgow, Coventry, Sheffield and Newcastle.

Beyond the Awards, MOBO is committed to discovering, supporting and championing the next generation of talent. Through initiatives such as MOBO UnSung and MOBO Amplified, MOBO provides vital financial support, mentorship and development opportunities for emerging artists. Across the wider creative and tech industries, MOBO also drives representation and connects career opportunities for Black talent through MOBOLISE, a platform designed to empower diversity, excellence and transformation in the workplace. Through the MOBO Trust and its long-standing partnership with Help Musicians, 1 million has been awarded in financial support, mentoring and development support, helping artists turn ambition into action. mobo.com