Jorja Smith and Robyn win top prizes at 2026 Independent Music Awards
Jorja Smith and Robyn took the top prizes at the 2026 Independent Music Awards in London on Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2026.
The ceremony was held at The Roundhouse in north London, according to the winners list published by Billboard. The awards are hosted by the Association for Independent Music and celebrate records released outside the three major label groups.
Smith won best independent track for “The Way I Love You”. The song was released in May 2025 on her own FAMM label and peaked at No. 39 on the U.K. Official Singles Chart, the weekly ranking of the country’s most popular singles.
Smith already knows this stage. She previously won the independent breakthrough trophy in 2018.
Robyn won best independent album for Sexistential. It is her ninth album and was released via Young, the London independent label.
The breakthrough prize this year went to Jalen Ngonda. Jim Legxacy won best independent mixtape/EP for Black British Music (2025), a shorter collection that sits between a single and an album.
SHERELLE won best independent remix for Romy’s “Love Who You Love (SHERELLE’s Intelligent Dyke Music Remix)”. Bees & Honey took the PPL Award for most played new independent artist, based on broadcast airplay tracked for performers, while Native James won the one to watch prize.
Two special honours went to long careers. Pauline Black received the outstanding contribution to music award. Fabio & Grooverider received the innovator award.
The nominations had been led by New York electronic group Fcukers and Jim Legxacy, with three each, according to MusicWeek. An early wave of nominees announced in July included Robyn, Geese, Jorja Smith, Romy, Nova Twins, Mitski, Bicep and Thundercat.
What makes this stand out is the mix. New names shared the night with returning winners, in an awards history that has previously recognised Adele, Dave, Little Simz, Idles, FKA Twigs, Wet Leg and Arlo Parks. This was the 16th edition.
