TAAHLIAH, Stormzy, Nia Archives and more win big at the AIM Awards

AIM Independent Music Awards has crowned this year’s big winners.

The annual music award ceremony took place on Wednesday, September 28, with this year’s nominations spanning every genre from grime and indie, to drum ’n’ bass and pop.

Amongst the names nominated for awards this year, Knucks, Children of Zeus, Kokoroko, Overmono, Anz, Yves Tumor, FKA Twigs, Joy Orbison, Thom Yorke, and many more took spots against music’s biggest names.

Picking up a One To Watch award in association with BBC Introducing, Nia Archives beats acts including Barry Can’t Swim, Jeshi, and TAAHLIAH.

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This year, Stormzy was crowned Diversity Champion. “I encourage everyone in the room today to not just use diversity as a buzzword,” he said as he collected the prize on stage.

“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.”

Elsewhere, Rina Sawayama picked up the Innovator Award, while Lethal Bizzle received an award for Outstanding Contribution to Music.

Record labels were also recognised for their efforts and contribution to music this year, including Rough Trade who won Best Independent Label, and Local Action who won Best Boutique Label.

TAAHLIAH also won big with an award for Best Independent EP/Mixtape for her 2021-released EP ‘Angelica’.

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On stage, the artist gave a tear-jerking speech telling the audience: “I hope that by winning this award, does not only reflect me as an artist but also shines a light on how important it is for our marginalised identities to be recorded, cherished, and recognised.”

“I think for a lot of people, being trans is something that appears to be grotesque and punishing… I have no doubt that there will be people in this room that believe I shouldn’t be here.

“However, even in the times when we’re made to feel like we shouldn’t be on this planet, even when our own prime minister makes no effort in hiding her transphobia and refuses to show us as human beings — being trans brings me so much love.”

Check out the full list of winners and nominees for this year’s AIM Awards.

Gemma Ross is Mixmag's Editorial Assistant, follow her on Twitter