The Aim Awards was held at North London’s famous Roundhouse.

It was a wonderful affair and I appreciated being there as the last awards show was during covid-19 has had be online so already there was something to be celebrated. Room buzzing with industry heads and adoration for all the nominees and winners. The sense of camaraderie was floating in the air at the AIM Awards. The night was hosted by DJ Target and Joelah who did a fabulous job and were a perfect fit to the flow of the evening.

The notable winners:

Stormzy - Diversity Champion Awards
Rina Sawayama - Amazon Music Innovator award
Lethal Bizzle - Outstanding Contribution to Music in association with Merlin
Nia Archives - The BBC Introducing One To Watch
Cleo Sol - The Best Independent Album in association with Spotify
Jeshi - Best Independent Video in association with VEVO 

Every artist deserving of their nomination for their category. All the winners gave humble displays of gratefulness, and thanked those who have been supporting them. A united appreciation for everyone flowing in their own journey of independence in the crazy ride that is the music industry.

Standout speech moments for us were Lethal Bizzle “We think it’s important to pay homage to those who have come before you and he did just take he gave a shoutout to KANO, Giggs, Skepta, Wiley, JME, Dizzee Rascal, D Double E, Ghetts, Wretch32, J2K, Chip, Tinchy Stryder, Tinie Tempah, So Solid Crew, Ms Dynamite and many more.” Corey Johnson who is the founder of Defenders, mentioned the need to develop and champion the grassroots of rap and grime. Guiding people at particular level away from fraudulent activities and other crimes with education, grants and funding. TAAHLIAH’s took the opportunity to mention LGBTQ+ community and the need for equality in the music industry in different areas which received a standing ovation. 

Pixey’s performance was playful, fun and energetic. Lethal Bizzle’s performance was electric (and special guest Giggs and JME) I was on the balcony skanking away as I reminisced my late teen years. The wonderful evening was closed by The Libertines

About AIM

AIM is the not-for-profit organisation representing and supporting the UK’s independent music sector and community, which makes up over a quarter of the UK’s recorded music market. Now in its 23rd year, AIM’s members range from the largest, most respected record labels and associated music businesses in the world to DIY or self-releasing artists and the next generation of entrepreneurs in music – including 4AD, Black Acre, CTRL Music, Dirty Hit, Domino Recording Co, Hospital Records, Killing Moon Group, FAMM, Ninja Tune, Numbers, Transgressive, Secretly Canadian, Supernature, Warp, and XL Recordings.   

AIM exists to level the playing field for UK independent music businesses – the beating heart of music. No matter their genre, their background, how much money they have, how they identify or their age, AIM provides access to the knowledge and contacts creative entrepreneurs need to create, build and win. AIM supports its members, not only through the difficult times, but also on a day-to-day level with practical support that makes a real difference to their lives and work, helping them take their businesses to the next level.