AIM’s Independent Music Awards were presented last night at a ceremony in London, with winners including Stormzy, Lethal Bizzle, Rina Sawayama, Wet Leg, Mitski, Nilüfer Yanya, and record labels Rough Trade and Local Action.
Stormzy accepted the Diversity Champion award for his work with his charity The #Merky Foundation and book publishing company #Merky Books.
Speaking via video link, he said: “I encourage everyone in the room today to not just use diversity as a buzzword. Whatever position you lot are in, whatever roles you might play, try to be a real driving factor for it and not just see it as a quota or a box to tick and really see the worth and value in being diverse. Thank you to the AIM Awards and to God be the glory”.
Here are all the winners in a comforting and familiar list form:
Best Independent Album: Cleo Sol - Mother (Forever Living Originals)
Best Independent Track: Nova Twins - Antagonist (Marshall Records)
Best Second Album: Nilüfer Yanya - Painless (ATO Records)
Best Independent EP/Mixtape: Taahliah - Angelica (untitled (recs))
Best Independent Remix: Champion remix of Ibeyi - Lavender & Red Roses feat Jorja Smith (XL Recordings)
Best Independent Video: Jeshi - 3210 (Because Music)
Best Creative Campaign: Maylee Todd - Maloo campaign from Stones Throw Records
UK Independent Breakthrough: Wet Leg (Domino Recording Company)
International Breakthrough: Blxst (Red Bull Records)
Best Live Performer: Mitski (Dead Oceans)
One To Watch: Nia Archives (HIJINXX)
Most Played New Independent Artist: DOD (Axtone Records)
Best Independent Label: Rough Trade Records
Best Boutique Label: Local Action
Diversity Champion: Stormzy
Innovator Award: Rina Sawayama
Outstanding Contribution To Music: Lethal Bizzle
Special Recognition: The Libertines (Rough Trade)
Independent Champion: Kenny Gates and Michel Lambot,
Music Entrepreneur Of The Year: Corey Johnson, CEO & Founder, Defenders Ent