12 minute read
A CONVERSATION WITH KANYA KING FOUNDER OF THE MOBO AWARDS
A conversation with Kanya King
Kanya King became the face behind black roots music when she The MOBO awards was first broadcast on Carlton TV in 1996.
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Since then The MOBO awards has provided an early platform for many British artists including; Stormzy, Amy Winehouse, Goldie, Skepta, Rita Ora, Craig David, Ms Dynamite, Dizzee Rascal, Emile Sandé to Tinie Tempah. It has provided the launch-pad for British urban music to dominate both national and international charts and has become one of the most prestigious events on the international calendar, annually attracting A-list celebrities and musical superstars alike such as Jay-Z, Beyoncé, Diana Ross, Tina Turner, Janet Jackson, Usher, P. Diddy, Diana Ross, John Legend and Rihanna.
Welcome Kanya to your interview with Business Digest Magazine. We are pleased to be sharing your journey with our audience.
You’re more known for being the founder of The MOBO Awards, an annual music award presentation honouring achievements in “music of black origin,” but before we get to that, we would like to get to your roots and find out about Kanya King.
Thank you for having me.
Can you tell us about your childhood? What was life like growing up?
I was born in Kilburn, North West London. I grew up in a large family. Both my parents came to the UK at a very young age, looking for a better future. They were encouraged to help fill gaps in the UK labour market for both skilled and unskilled jobs. My mum came from Ireland and my dad was born in Ghana. Times were tough for them facing blatant racism (´No Blacks, no Irish, no Dogs´) and hard to make a living. We moved from council flat to council flat and at times we didn’t have a roof over our heads. It was tough.
How did these experiences help you to shape your life?
I think these experiences helped me to become independent and determined. I started realising the value of money at an early age. I would collect empty bottles in my local park, hand them in and get a 5p reward every time, that added up. I had a paper round and sold whistles at a healthy margin at Notting Hill Carnival. Basically, I did all kinds of jobs which eventually resulted in me buying my first property. It was a very proud and significant moment.
A large percent of people grow up in poverty, live their adult lives in that same situation, and raise children who fail to break that cycle. People get caught up in the cycle of low income and often end up in a survival mode. They are focused on whatever challenges greet them each day, whether that’s paying the rent, buying food or taking care of a health problem. I wanted to have a bigger goal than just surviving from pay-check to pay-check and trying to pay the bills. This was a life I did not want to settle for. I was determined to break out of it.
The black roots music industry has come on leaps and bound. How important is it to continue to grow and where do you see things heading to in the future? Black music has a rich and proud history. It has been a representation of what society is about. Music has always had that power to transcend cultural divides and hardships. Singing in the cotton fields and in church was about freedom, believing in a greater good and a better life. battles oppression and neglect. Whether it is gospel music, jazz, soul, hip-hop or grime, black music has a powerful voice calling out for more fairness and equality. Music is evolving and innovating all the time. It often comes from a deep place and has a powerful social message. Music will therefore continue to grow, adapting all the time as creatives are not afraid to experiment and express themselves.
The MOBO Awards has played an extremely important part for music artists to gain recognition for their music.
Where did the idea come from and how did you set up The MOBO Awards in the beginning?
I grew up being surrounded by creatives who were immensely talented but frustrated by the lack of awareness of their creativity. I felt there was a huge void in the music industry’s representations of popular music and this instilled in me a drive to empower others to realise their potential. Tossing the idea around, I couldn’t get much support, so I decided to have a kitchen roundtable discussion with a few friends who believed in it and wanted to support.
We came up with the acronym of MOBO but it wasn’t until a chance meeting with a high-level TV executive at Arsenal’s football ground, that somebody was willing to listen to us.
plan and surprisingly we were given a chance: ‘We’re prepared to give you a slot HOWEVER it will be in 6 weeks´ time and there is very little budget´. I just had to go for it, there was no Plan B. I ended up re-mortgaging my house to pay for the production. Luckily, lots of people turned up in support including Lionel Richie, Jazzie B and many other names from the world of music and entertainment. It became a massive cultural moment.
You’ve met a lot of musicians and celebrities over the years but what has been your most memorable moment?
Having delivered as many as 23 annually televised shows with hundreds of UK and international artists as well as the most amazing hosts and guest presenters, there have been so many memorable moments and truly fascinating people on the show, too many to mention and too hard to choose from.
I often ask our audience their favourite moments, one of their most memorable performances is perhaps So Solid Crew, a musical revolution at the time, Sade returning from retirement just to perform for MOBO, Rihanna’s performance at the age of only 18, Stormzy’s first Best Grime Award, Emeli winning big, Beyonce and Jay-Z on the same show, acceptance speeches from FKA-twigs, Craig David, Ms Dynamite and Sir Lenny Henry - the list goes on and on and on.
You’re an established keynote speaker, what impact do you want to instil into your listeners?
First of all, I want to tell the younger generation especially, that anything is possible with the right frame of mind, discipline and determination. My background and upbringing were without promise. However, with a lot of sacrifice and hard work, you can achieve more than ever thought possible. That is a strong and timeless message.
In a more socioeconomic perspective, I want to be vocal about the business case for increasing management diversity which is absolute. More diverse, genderbalanced teams outperform less diverse, unbalanced teams.
After a challenging 2020, the world needs to focus on ‘the decade of opportunity’ that is driven by an ‘ideas economy’ - which should be powered by untapped diversity of thinking. Together with Accenture, we are building an innovative MOBOLISE careers platform which is a catalyst for change to shake things up. The message I want to get out there is that this is also a commercial imperative as well as a societal one. It will ultimately help the bottom line and contribute to a fairer society.
How can people contact you for future speaking events?
Please see a link to companies or talent who want to sign up to MOBOLISE: http://mobo. com/mobolise - for appearances and (currently virtual) speaking engagements, people can contact infokanyaking@mobo.com Interview by; Russ Turner, Director at Business Digest Magazine
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Carina Lepore is the Managing Director of the Dough Artisan Bakehouse a family run bakery providing it’s famous multi-seed bread to the Herne Hill area.
Carina entered the BBC show The Apprentice in 2019 and came out winner as she rose above the rest of the competition by out performing them in the trials and business tests laid out by the show. Lord Sugar and Carina then began as business partners 50/50 in her successful bakery business.
Carina has shown that she is a true leader and serious business woman and sets a prime example for aspiring woman entrepreneurs to follow.
Interview by Russ Turner Director at Business Digest Magazine
We like to know an entrepreneur back story to get a feel of them on a personal level. Can you tell us about your upbringing and what you think played a major part in your success?
I had a fantastic upbringing, and great childhood. My parents both hard working and taught me that without hard work you don’t get results. My Dads mentoring growing up would be that of keep pushing nothing was enough! Or so it felt? However I’ve learnt in my adult life that this was exactly what I needed to push and be so determined to succeed and get exactly what I want/wanted from life.
You consider yourself a natural leader as one of your strong points, but what would you say is your weakness?
A weakness of mine would not always being able to switch off and take time out. Always on the go!
You won The Apprentice and are enjoying the success. What is next for Carina Lepore & How will you achieve it? Continuing to grow and expand my business @Doughbakehouse is my main priority. We’ve all had a strange year which has slowed us down, I am grateful currently for my team’s health and continued hard work throughout a tough trading time for our hospitality sector.
Let’s talk about “The Apprentice” Why did you enter, what did you learn and what would say to anyone about to appear on the show?
I actually entered on a whim. One evening I thought, why not apply? Once I started to get through the audition processes and then the phone call to say they wanted me on the show that’s when my mindset switched into “let’s do this” mode! I learnt loads! It was genuinely one of the best experiences of my life. So challenging, so tough but I just thrived! I learnt to be brave and be bold and mainly to believe in myself. This is what I would also tell anyone about to appear on the show.
You and Lord Sugar seem pretty close now. What have you learnt from Alan since winning the show?
Yeah we have a good working relationship. I mean we started our business journey together and then hit a worldwide pandemic. I think he’s taught me to slow down when it’s needed. He is most knowledgeable when it comes to business. So, to be able to send an email or text when I want is fabulous.
You are the owner of the Dough Artisan Bakehouse. Do you have any plans to expand the brand or do you have a new business venture in the pipeline?
Plans still stand to continue to expand and grow Dough Bakehouse. We’ve naturally had to slow down and assess the overall situation currently but we definitely have plans to expand in the future.
Who has been the most influential person in your career?
I don’t just have one person who has influenced me greatly during my journey as I’ve always been a big believer in learning and gaining insights from many different people who I’ve met and influenced me. I have had some great leaders in my career in retail before becoming a business owner. I have many friends now who are also business owners and I love to discuss all things life and business with them!
What’s advice can you give to young entrepreneurs who are starting out on their business journey?
I think my advice would be to be prepared for a lot and I mean a lot of hard work! Day in day out you must maintain focus, drive and determination. Make sure your business is your passion and you will enjoy the journey even with the hurdles and challenges you face daily as an entrepreneur.
How can business owners get exposure for their business in the best way?
Key things would be to have strong branding and marketing. Strong ethos and key values. Networking is also key.
If you could eat dinner with three people living or deceased who would it be and why?
OHH this is tricky!? The first three that popped into my initial thoughts were My uncle Tony, he passed away when I was in my teens and he was just so great to be around with: amazing energy and I would love to have the chance to discuss my journey with him and learn his thoughts and to hear him taking the Mickey out of my dad again!
Robin Williams - He’s played such a part in my enjoyment as a child.
Watching his movies as an adult has always been a great escape and pure joy so I would just love to get the chance to speak to him.
Beyonce - just one of the most inspirational women! Always have looked up to her in every way so, to even get a moment to discuss anything with her would be insane! ness and why?
Giuseppe Mascoli is the owner/ founder of Franco Manca. I hold his story close to my heart as I can relate to his journey and business story. He started small in Brixton, is of Italian heritage, and has great family values.
Will you be taking part in any media or publicity events in the future and what’s best way to contact you?
I’m always up for opportunities! I can be reached on email carina@doughbakehouse.co.uk Or my instagram @CarinaLepore
Which entrepreneur do you look up to most in busi-
