R&B-pop artist Dawn Richard , singer-songwriter Valerie June , Nigerian guitar innovator Mdou Moctar and electronic artist Porches will perform at the 2026 Libera Awards , the Foundation for Independent Music and the American Association of Independent Music have announced. The awards are presented by Merlin. The awards take place in New York on Monday, June 8 at the historic Gotham Hall in New York City. Also at the event, FIM and A2IM will honor Terry McBride and Mark Jowett , co-founders of Nettwerk Music Group, with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award. The recognition celebrates their decades-long commitment to artist development, innovation, and leadership within the global independent music sector. Popular on Variety + Universal Music Group has expanded its mental health and wellbeing strategy with the announcement of two new partnerships with Amber Health and Project Healthy Minds .…