Marking its 19th edition, the 2022 Taiwan Music Composition and Songwriting Contest (臺灣原創流行音樂大獎) took place at Zepp New Taipei on Aug. 27. Those present at the ceremony included Deputy Culture Minister Lee Ching-hwi (李靜慧), Hakka Affairs Council Deputy Minister Chung Kung-chao (鍾孔炤), and more.
This year, a total of 30 groups of music creators were shortlisted. The top three winners in the Hoklo category are Chung Fan (莊凡), Yu Yang Sin Ping (余楊心平), Yang Ya-ru (楊雅儒); the Hakka category winner goes to Chiu Shu-chan (邱淑蟬); and Putad Pihay (布妲菈・碧海) is the winner of the indigenous category. Each winner walks away with a prize of NT$300,000 from the awards competition, and they will perform their songs at a music-sharing event at Huashan theater on Sep. 24.
Blaire Ko (柯智豪), the convener of the jury group, said most of the finalists can use two languages, which demonstrates that we can understand each other through different languages. He hopes everyone can continue to interpret the world in their native languages thereby developing brand-new works.
The Bureau of Audiovisual and Music Industry Development stated that the Taiwan Music Composition and Songwriting Contest provides creators with a performance platform that is not limited by themes and styles, injecting new lease of life into Taiwan’s native-language songs. This year's finalists brought creative songs that are more substantial and diverse to the audience, allowing them to enjoy original music without language barriers.
First launched in 2004, the Taiwan Music Composition and Songwriting Contest (formerly known as the Taiwan Original Music Awards) is one of Taiwan's main platforms for promoting the creation of original music in native languages.