AIM's Independent Music Awards will take place tonight, the whole event having shifted online because of pesky COVID-19. And, organisers have confirmed, the proceedings will end with a Damon Alban-led tribute to the late great Tony Allen.
The Afrobeat drummer, who died in April, will receive a posthumous Outstanding Contribution To Music award during the show. And, to mark that fact, friends and former collaborators of Allen - including Damon Albarn, Femi Koleoso, Seye Adelekan, Remi Kabaka Jr and Simon Tong - will perform ‘Go Back’ from the drummer's fifth album 'Film Of Life'.
Noting that Albarn collaborated with Allen on various projects - including via Africa Express, Rocket Juice & The Moon, and The Good, The Bad & The Queen - AIM says that the 'Film Of Life' performance will "celebrate Allen posthumously receiving the prestigious Outstanding Contribution To Music Award for his rich and hugely significant creative output".
Allen is actually also in the running for the Best Independent Track prize for his collaboration with Hugh Masekela, 'We’ve Landed'.
Other artists set to appear during the online awards show include AJ Tracey, Little Simz and Arlo Parks. It will all stream via SBTV's YouTube channel from 7pm this evening - more info at aimawards.co.uk/watch