For years, the Golden Melody Awards (GMAs) have spotlighted Taiwanese Indigenous music. At this year’s event, Makav, a member of Taiwan ‘s indigenous Bunun tribe, clinched the coveted Best New Artist title. “I am truly grateful! I hope to encourage fellow 20-year-old creators to pursue their musical ideas and bring them to life,” Makav told Variety .
Taiwan’s 16 Indigenous tribes constitute only 2% of the population, yet young GenZ artists like Makav are fervently blending international influences while igniting a resurgence of truly local music across Taiwan. “When I create music, I blend English, Bunun and Chinese, singing in a way that feels natural, but it must always include my native language because native languages are very cool,” she said. “More and more people are joining the creation of indigenous music in Taiwan,” said Makav.
And indeed, Indigenous musicians were prominent across several categories of the GMAs. They secured wins in Best Vocal Group (O-Kai Singer), and Best Taiwanese Language Album (Panai Kusui’s “I?-Pô”), alongside recognition in the Indigenous language categories. ABAO, founder of NANGUAQ, a Taiwanese Indigenous label, highlighted how contemporary artists are integrating diverse music genres.
“Today, young Indigenous people are influenced by R&B, African-American music, gospel, hip-hop, electronic music, K-pop, and others.” While these artists draw inspiration from varied sources, they also honor traditional wisdom. .
