Jorja Smith and Robyn Lead Winners at 2026 Independent Music Awards
The 2026 Independent Music Awards, held at London's Roundhouse on September 22, honored top indie artists across multiple categories. Jorja Smith won best independent track for 'The Way I Love You,' while Robyn took best independent album for 'Sexistential.' Other winners included Jalen Ngonda, Jim Legxacy, and Pauline Black, who received the outstanding contribution award.
The ceremony, organized by the Association for Independent Music, took place at The Roundhouse in north London. Jorja Smith's winning track, released on her own FAMM imprint, reached No. 39 on the UK singles chart, marking her second career win at these awards after her 2018 breakthrough prize.
Robyn's ninth studio album, issued through Young, claimed album honors, while Daptone Records artist Jalen Ngonda, a three-category nominee, took the breakthrough prize. Pauline Black of The Selector performed live after receiving the outstanding contribution award, and Fabio & Grooverider were recognized for their jungle and drum 'n' bass legacy.
The Independent Music Awards highlight the commercial and cultural viability of artists operating outside major-label structures. Winners like Smith and Robyn demonstrate that independent releases can achieve mainstream chart visibility, which may encourage emerging musicians to retain control over their work. The recognition of genre-spanning acts, from soul to jungle, could also reinforce the UK's reputation as a diverse music market, potentially influencing how labels and streaming platforms allocate promotional resources toward independent talent.