Neneh Cherry was honoured for her contributions to music at the 2024 AIM Awards, alongside standout wins for Jorja Smith, Sampha, and rising stars like Barry Can’t Swim.

The 2024 Independent Music Awards, hosted by the Association of Independent Music (AIM), returned to Camden’s Roundhouse last week, celebrating the best of the UK’s independent artists, labels and record shops. The night saw legends like Neneh Cherry and trailblazers like Jorja Smith, and Sampha take home top honours.

 

Neneh received the Innovator Award, recognising her decades-long influence on music and culture. “It’s better to be a pioneer than an old bag!”, joked in her acceptance speech while paying tribute to the independent music scene that shaped her career.

Synth-pop powerhouses Sparks were celebrated with the Outstanding Contribution to Music Award and revealed their return to the independent community, announcing a new album with Transgressive Records.

 

Elsewhere, Jorja Smith won Best Independent Album for her critically acclaimed record falling or flying, while Sampha had a standout night with wins for Best Independent Track and Best Independent Video. His emotional performance was one of the highlights of the evening.

 

Other performances came from the fiery BEX, who thundered around the room to the sounds of her electrifying punk music. This year’s One To Watch winner OneDa also took to the stage, shaking the audience with her unique brand of hip-hop and DnB.

Other notable winners included Barry Can’t Swim, who won UK Independent Breakthrough for his debut album, and Potter Payper, who took home Best Independent EP/Mixtape for Thanks for Hating. The public-voted Best Live Performer went to Pendulum for their energetic performances.

 

In a historic moment for record stores, Drift in Totnes was crowned the first-ever winner of the Best Independent Record Store Award, celebrating its role as a cultural hub for over 30 years.

 

The night reaffirmed AIM’s commitment to championing independent music, with a diverse range of artists and labels honoured for their innovation and impact. Here’s to another year of our country’s impactful independent music scene, which continues to produce global superstars and remain ahead of the curve.