News
22 September 2026 – Independent Music Awards Gather the Indie Sector at London's Roundhouse
By Editorial Team - September 22, 2026
Summary
The 16th Independent Music Awards celebrate 'Collective Strength' tonight at London's Roundhouse, honouring Fcukers, Robyn, Bicep, and Pauline Black.
Key Facts
- The 16th Independent Music Awards take place tonight at London's iconic Roundhouse celebrating 'Collective Strength'.
- Fcukers lead nominations with three nods, alongside shortlist inclusions for Robyn, Geese, Mitski, Bicep, and Thundercat.
- Honours Pauline Black of The Selecter with the Outstanding Contribution to Music Award and Fabio & Grooverider with the Innovator Award.
- Entities: Independent Music Awards, Roundhouse, London, Fcukers, Robyn, Geese, Jorja Smith, Romy, Nova Twins, Mitski, Bicep, Thundercat, Pauline Black, Fabio & Grooverider, Jalen Ngonda, Naima Bock
- Tags: independent-music-awards, roundhouse, london-music, fcukers, pauline-black, the-selecter, bicep, robyn, indie-music
The 2026 Independent Music Awards take place tonight at London's Roundhouse, bringing artists, labels, managers and other independent-music businesses together for the ceremony's sixteenth edition. This year's theme is 'Collective Strength', placing particular emphasis on the networks and partnerships that allow independent artists and companies to compete in an increasingly consolidated global industry.
Fcukers lead the nominations with three appearances, while recognised artists across the wider shortlist include Robyn, Geese, Jorja Smith, Romy, Nova Twins, Mitski, Bicep and Thundercat. The ceremony also introduces Best Catalogue Release as a new category, acknowledging the increasingly important role that reissues and older recordings play in artist development.
Pauline Black of The Selecter is set to receive the Outstanding Contribution to Music Award and perform with the band, while Fabio & Grooverider will receive the Innovator Award. Jalen Ngonda and Naima Bock are also among the scheduled performers. For the worldwide independent music community, punk, electronic music, soul, experimental pop and global stars can now comfortably share the same room without anyone needing to redraw the genre map.