Jorja Smith won Best Independent Track for “The Way I Love You” at the 2026 Independent Music Awards at The Roundhouse in London on Tuesday, adding a second Independent Music Award to her career record.
Released in May 2025 through Smith’s FAMM label, “The Way I Love You” reached No. 39 on the UK Official Singles Chart. Smith previously won Independent Breakthrough at the awards in 2018.
Jorja Smith takes Best Independent Track
Smith’s latest Independent Music Award recognises “The Way I Love You”, which became one of the nominated tracks celebrating independent music in the UK.
The win gives Smith her second award from the event, eight years after she was named Independent Breakthrough in 2018.
Robyn wins Best Independent Album
Robyn also took home a major prize at the 2026 ceremony, winning Best Independent Album for her ninth album, Sexistential.
The Swedish pop artist was among the headline winners at the London ceremony, which brought together artists, labels and creators from across the independent music sector.
Jalen Ngonda named Independent Breakthrough
Soul artist Jalen Ngonda won Independent Breakthrough after receiving three nominations at this year’s awards.
His win adds to a growing profile for the singer and songwriter, who was recognised alongside artists competing across the Independent Music Awards’ range of categories.
2026 Independent Music Awards winners
The Independent Music Awards are organised by the Association for Independent Music and celebrate artists and creative work from the UK’s independent music scene.
The 2026 winners included:
- Best Independent Track: Jorja Smith, “The Way I Love You”
- Best Independent Album: Robyn, Sexistential
- Independent Breakthrough: Jalen Ngonda
- Best Independent Mixtape/EP: Jim Legxacy, Black British Music
- Best Independent Remix: Sherelle and Romy, “Love Who You Love”
- One to Watch: Native James
- Best Independent Video: Léa Esmaili for Thundercat, “She Knows Too Much” featuring Mac Miller
The ceremony took place at The Roundhouse in London and was hosted by the Association for Independent Music.
