Jointly organized by the Ministry of Culture, Council of Indigenous Peoples, and Hakka Affairs Council, the Taiwan Music Composition and Songwriting Contest announced its 2018 nominations on July 25 after 3 months of deliberation.
30 submissions stood out from 234 entries this year, including 151 in the Hokkien language, 54 in the Hakka language, and 29 in indigenous languages.
The jury noted that the entries are quite diverse in style as they embody both original and fashionable elements, accompanied by remarkable melodies, arrangement, and vocal skills.
Also, themes of environmental protection and everyday life in these works showcase nativist yet avant-garde sides of Taiwan's mother-tongue music. In addition to these novel elements, the jury encouraged participants to pay more focus on refining the interpretation and articulation of their entry works.
The Bureau of Audiovisual and Music Industry Development remarked that the Taiwan Music Composition and Songwriting Contest, which has been held for 15 years straight, has contributed to the rise of many notable singers and music producers, such as Chalaw Basiwali (偺荖加麓), Balai (高仲杰), Anu Kaliting Sadiponga (阿努．卡力亭．沙力朋安), Suming Rupi (舒米恩), Yachun Asta Tzeng (曾雅君), Wing Lo (羅文裕), and Matzka.
The final round of the contest will be held at the conference hall of China Petroleum Corporation's Taipei office on Aug. 26, with 30 live performances by the nominated artists. An awards ceremony will be held after the contest, and the grand prize winner(s) will be awarded NT$300,000.
The awards ceremony will also feature veteran Taiwanese singer Wen Hsia (文夏) and Taiwanese rock band Tai-Ko Eletro Company (台客電力公司) as guest performers, making it possible for audience members to savor the spirit of rock music in Taiwan.
‘2018 Taiwan Music Composition and Songwriting Contest’
- Date: Aug. 26, 2018
- Starting Time: 1pm
- Venue: CPC Taipei Office (conference hall)
- Address: No.3 Songren Rd., Xinyi District, Taipei, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
- Admission: Free
- Site: http://nv.com.tw/107toma/ticket.php
- Contact: (02)26539292 ext. #235