The MOBO Awards are marking a monumental milestone with a series of celebrations honoring 30 years of Black music and culture.

And this year’s anniversary carries particular significance.

For, alongside a special BBC One programme and major exhibition, the organisation will pay a moving tribute to its pioneering founder, Kanya King, who sadly passed away in June.

With the celebrations culminating on November 18, the festivities promise to salute both the institution’s remarkable history and the visionary who brought it to life.

Full story below…

As detailed in MOBO’s announcement, BBC One will air ‘MOBO 30: Iconic Moments’ on November 11 at 10.40pm.

Presented by DJ Target, the special will revisit unforgettable performances and defining moments from the awards show’s three-decade history.

We’re excited to share that a special programme celebrating 30 years of MOBO is coming to @BBC One!

Narrated by @DJTarget, it revisits unforgettable MOBO Awards moments and honours the legacy of our Founder, Kanya King CBE.

11 November | 10.40pm | BBC One & BBC iPlayer https://t.co/2rdi25urfR

— MOBO Awards (@MOBOAwards) November 5, 2026

Then, on November 18, London’s V&A East Storehouse will unveil an exclusive display of memorabilia charting MOBO’s cultural impact. The exhibition will run until summer 2027.

Perhaps most poignantly, King will be honored with a commemorative ‘Paving the Way’ stone at her former school, Queens Park Community College, on the same day.

The date marks exactly 30 years since the first MOBO Awards ceremony in 1996.

Reflecting on the significance, MOBO shared:

“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.”

As previously reported, the 2026 ceremony took place in Manchester, celebrating stars including Pharrell Williams, Olivia Dean, FLO, and Wizkid.

Meanwhile, a free immersive installation celebrating MOBO’s history is currently on display at Outernet London until November 18.

Three decades on, King’s vision continues to create opportunities, celebrate excellence, and champion the next generation.

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[Photo Credit: MOBO]

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