Accompanied by 30 marvelous live performances by the nominated artists, the awards ceremony of the 15th Taiwan Music Composition and Songwriting Contest took place in Taipei on Aug. 26.
The top prize winners were each awarded with NT$300,000, including Gina’s Can (楊淑喻) of the Hakka-language category, Good Ball Entertainment (好球娛樂有限公司) of the Hokkien-language category, and Dakanow (達卡鬧) of the indigenous-languages category.
Veteran Taiwanese singer Wen Hsia (文夏) and Taiwanese rock band Tai-Ko Eletro Company (台客電力公司) showed up as guest performers to commence the ceremony and cheer on the nominated artists.
Also, winners of the 2017 Taiwan Music Composition and Songwriting Contest ─ Chen Yan-ju (陳彥竹) of the Hakka-language category, Lee Jin-ying (李晉瑩) of the Hokkien-language category, and Muniyu Saliljan (沐妮悠‧紗里蘭) of the indigenous-languages category ─ were also invited to sing their mother-tongue originals and express their love for Taiwan.
Jointly organized by the Ministry of Culture, Council of Indigenous Peoples, and Hakka Affairs Council, the Taiwan Music Composition and Songwriting Contest has been held for 15th editions, contributing to the rise of many mother-tongue artists and producers.
The awards ceremony was attended by Deputy Minister Celest Hsiao-ching Ting (丁曉菁) of the Ministry of Culture, Deputy Minister Calivat Gadu (鍾興華) of the Council of Indigenous Peoples, and Deputy Minister Yiong Cong-ziin (楊長鎮) of Hakka Affairs Council.
The Bureau of Audiovisual and Music Industry Development noted that aside from receiving a cash prize of NT$300,000, this year's winners will be able to hold concert tours in Taipei, Taitung, and Kaohsiung as well.
Through the Taiwan Music Composition and Songwriting Contest and its island-wide tours, organizers hope that the passion of Taiwan's indie music will spread to more corners, continue to inspire new generations, and enrich the power of Taiwan's music culture.
The awards ceremony is available in two parts on YouTube: