The AIM Independent Music Awards have revealed its first set of 2023 nominees, celebrating the vibrant and innovative breadth of talent across the UK’s independent sector. 

As the tastemaker Awards show, highlighting the stars of the future often before any other ceremony, the 2023 edition boasts a hugely exciting array of nominees. R&B-led pop singer RAYE and experimental dance act Shygirl lead the pack with three nods each, while further multiple nominees also include British jazz quintet Ezra Collective, London-based Nigerian songwriter Obongjayar, futuristic genre-defier Kelela, and experimental newcomer Jessica Winter who each land two.

As the highly-coveted ‘Best Independent Album’ category makes its return, the eclectic nominees list includes 2020’s Pioneer Award winner Little Simz who first received an AIM Award accolade back in 2016. Subsequently winning a BRIT and the Mercury Music Prize in 2022, she’ll be hotly-tipped as her album ‘No Thank You’ joins previous AIM Awards winners Nova Twins and Rina Sawayama, with ‘Supernova’ and ‘Hold The Girl’ respectively. Topping off an incredible category shortlist, they’re joined by Kelela, Oliver Sim, Wu-Lu, Avelino, RAYE, and Shygirl. Soul-influencer rapper Obongjayar also earns a nomination for ‘Some Nights I Dream of Doors’, in addition to his nod for ‘Best Independent Video’ (in association with Vevo) alongside Ezra Collective, Kelela, RAYE and Wesley Joseph.