Pauline Black will be honoured at the 2026 Independent Music Awards as The Selecter join the live bill
Pauline Black will receive the Outstanding Contribution to Music Award at the 2026 Independent Music Awards, taking place at London’s Roundhouse on Tuesday 22 September.
The Selecter frontwoman will also perform at the ceremony with the full Selecter line-up. Jalen Ngonda and Naima Bock have also been added to the evening’s live bill for the 16th edition of AIM’s annual awards.
The honour recognises Black’s four-decade career at the sharp end of British independent music, from The Selecter’s arrival during the 2 Tone explosion to her continuing work as a performer and songwriter. The Coventry-rooted movement’s collision of ska, punk and reggae carried an anti-racist message into the centre of late-1970s British pop culture, with Black among its most singular voices.
A 2 Tone voice recognised
With The Selecter, Black helped drive a run of era-defining releases including On My Radio, Three Minute Hero, Missing Words and The Whisper. The band’s 1980 debut, Too Much Pressure, reached number five on the UK Albums Chart.
More recently, The Selecter’s Human Algebra entered the UK Top 10 in 2023, while Black has also appeared with Gorillaz on tour, including dates during summer 2026. She was appointed OBE for services to entertainment in 2022.
Black said: “Thank you so much to the Independent Music Awards presented by AIM for recognising my contribution to music. I started my career on an independent label, 2-Tone, because it fitted who I was perfectly: bringing together the best of black music with the best of white music in 1979, mixing it up to make something new – a hybrid, just like me.
“Forty-seven years later, I’m still making music with people I trust, still mixing it up and spreading the same message: we are better together than divided. My advice? Make your music. Let it find your people. And always know your purpose for standing on a stage.”
Ngonda and Bock join the Roundhouse line-up
Jalen Ngonda arrives at the Roundhouse with two nominations, for Independent Breakthrough and Best Independent Track. The Daptone Records artist will perform alongside Naima Bock, whose Live in Toulon EP is nominated in the Best Independent Mixtape / EP category.
Black joins the previously announced Fabio & Grooverider, who will receive the Innovator Award for their influence on UK music and dance culture.
Following the ceremony, AIM and DORK Magazine will host the official Independent Music Awards afterparty at Camden’s Barfly. FEET and Jo From School are set to perform, with guest DJs playing from 10pm until late. A limited number of public and AIM member tickets will be available.
