Jorja Smith 'very grateful' as she bags independent music prize

Jorja Smith wears a sleeveless black dress paired with a silver necklace and bracelet. Her nails are painted blue and she holds her award while smiling at the camera. She has long thick black hair which is parted in the middle and sits past her shoulders

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British R&B singer Jorja Smith took home the prize for her 2025 track The Way I Love You

ByNaomi de SouzaBBC Newsbeat

Published57 minutes ago

Jorja Smith was among the artists recognised at this year's Independent Music Awards for her song The Way I Love You.

Accepting the award on Tuesday night at London's Roundhouse, Smith reflected on her "crazy" music journey and took a moment to mark the achievements of artists.

"Everyone should be so proud," the Walsall singer said, especially those "doing everything independently".

The annual awards celebrate unsigned artists and small record labels.

Smith was visibly excited as she accepted her award on stage, while also encouraging the audience to applaud the other nominees and winners.

"I'm just very grateful," she told the audience.

"I can't believe I've been able to just have this space to create, the same way I've been doing since I was like, 11."

Sexistential, the latest record from Swedish singer-songwriter Robyn, was named best independent album at the ceremony, which also honoured 2-Tone heavyweight Pauline Black with the outstanding contribution to music award.

Motown inspired musician Jalen Ngonda took home the prize for best breakthrough act, while Jim Legxacy bagged best EP for black British music, which included hit tracks like '06 Wayne Rooney.

Jalen Ngonda performs on stage at a festival, wearing a red and black striped v-neck top. He plays his guitar which is strapped across his chest and looks out to the crowd. A drummer from his band is seen in the background.

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Best breakthrough act Jalen Ngonda has become known for his soulful style of singing

Gee Davy, CEO of the Association of Independent Music which organised the event, said this year's winners demonstrated "extraordinary success" through "collective strength".

She credited a "spirit of collaboration" as "a key reason why our members continue to create cultural and commercial value far beyond their scale".