Jorja Smith was among the artists recognised at this year’s Independent Music Awards for her song The Way I Love You.
Accepting the award on Tuesday night at London’s Roundhouse, Smith reflected on her “crazy” music journey and took a moment to mark the achievements of other artists.
“Everyone should be so proud,” the Walsall singer said, especially those “doing everything independently”.
The annual awards celebrate unsigned artists and small record labels.
Smith was visibly excited as she accepted her award on stage, while also encouraging the audience to applaud the other nominees and winners.
“I’m just very grateful,” she told the audience.
“I can’t believe I’ve been able to just have this space to create, the same way I’ve been doing since I was like, 11.”
Sexistential, the latest record from Swedish singer-songwriter Robyn, was named best independent album at the ceremony, which also honoured 2-Tone heavyweight Pauline Black with the outstanding contribution to music award.
Motown inspired musician Jalen Ngonda took home the prize for best breakthrough act, while Jim Legxacy bagged best EP for black British music, which included hit tracks like ’06 Wayne Rooney.
Music journalist Nicolas-Tyrell Scott tells BBC Newsbeat these awards show emerging talent “can absolutely do this to massive levels” without being signed to a major label.
Singling out Jim Legxacy, he says: “He’s got attention not just here, but in the eyes of New York and LA”.
Although not having the backing of a label can come at a cost.
Glasgow-born country singer Riley initially decided to pursue music independently and found her signed peers had teams who supported branding as well as music.
“Years ago, it maybe was slightly stigmatised but now it’s almost the other way,” she says, with some artists feeling labels have too much power.
For Riley, there are benefits to doing it yourself. “It’s much more rewarding when it pays off.”
Gee Davy, CEO of the Association of Independent Music which organised the event, said this year’s winners demonstrated “extraordinary success” through “collective strength”.
She credited a “spirit of collaboration” as “a key reason why our members continue to create cultural and commercial value far beyond their scale”.
