Little Simz & AJ Tracey Are Set To Be Honoured At 2020 AIM Awards!

As the UK’s first large scale awards show to go digital, this year’s virtual ceremony will be hosted by tastemaker DJ Tiffany Calver. AJ Tracey and Little Simz are set to be honored for their undeniable achievements, with both artists set to perform alongside Arlo Parks – it’s going to be a show to remember!

With less than a month to go until the ceremony, the AIM Independent Music Awards has revealed the winner of this year’s prestigious Pioneer Award in association with Evoke, one of the most talented and prolific pioneers of UK rap, Little Simz. 

Taking to the stage for a special performance on the night, Little Simz is the youngest ever recipient of the Award. Boasting three highly acclaimed albums and tours with Lauryn Hill and Nas, she is the first UK independent artist to be listed on Forbes’ 30 Under 30 and has garnered multiple award nominations from the likes of MOBO and previous AIM Awards, including her recent nomination for an Ivor Novello.

Following his surprise performance at last year’s event, AJ Tracey will be taking away the Innovator prize (in association with Amazon Music) and will return to the AIM Awards stage for 2020. A voice of a generation, his musical versatility and dextrous wordplay has helped lead the way for hip-hop’s mainstream resurgence. With his dedication to making music and building a brand on his own terms, AJ has scored five UK top ten singles to date, including the million-selling, double-Platinum smash Ladbroke Grove. After selling out two dates at the iconic 10,000 capacity Alexandra Palace in November 2019, AJ has now racked up over a billion streams globally.

The event will also feature a very special live set in honor of Afrobeat pioneer Tony Allen, who will receive the Outstanding Contribution To Music Award posthumously. Curated by his friend and drumming student, Ezra Collective’s Femi Koleoso, the tribute will bring together a group of musicians performing a stunning medley of the late virtuoso’s work.

Paul Pacifico, the CEO of AIM commented; “AJ Tracey and Little Simz are two of the most ground-breaking and talented artists to have emerged in recent years from the UK’s unparalleled music scene. It seems fitting for a year in which the AIM Awards have pivoted to become virtual, that these two innovators are recognised for their achievements. We couldn’t be more excited to have them both performing, as well as an incredible ensemble of musicians directed by Femi Koleoso for what will undoubtedly be a moving tribute to the great Tony Allen.

Tiffany Calver added; “AIM’s dedication to celebrating artists that are really thriving and the businesses that support them is something I’m incredibly passionate about and I’m truly honoured to be hosting this year’s awards ceremony. There are so many exciting artists represented in the list of nominees and it’s such a pleasure to champion their achievements.”

The ceremony will be available to live stream on 12th August at 7pm in partnership with SBTV and with support from YouTube!