Major contributors to Taiwan’s popular music potency were recognized at the 22nd Golden Melody Awards June 18 at Taipei Arena, event organizer the Government Information Office said.
“Taiwan’s popular music industry holds down 80 percent of the Mandopop market, and will continue to play the leading role,” GIO Minister Philip Yang said.
ROC President Ma Ying-jeou made his debut appearance at the ceremony to present the best indigenous language album award to Suming Rupi, a singer-songwriter from Taitung’s Amis tribe.
Suming, 33, writes and sings in his native Amis language. The album bearing his name combines indigenous folk songs and electronic tunes.
Veteran lyricist, composer and producer Jonathan Lee emerged as a major winner by bagging prizes for song of the year, best composer and best lyricist with “Jonathan’s Song.”
Popular singer-songwriter Jay Chou snatched the best Mandarin album and best Mandarin male singer awards with his 10th album, “Cross-generation,” while Hong Kong singer Karen Mok was crowned best Mandarin female singer for “Precious.”
Matzka, a band consisting of four young indigenous artists from Taitung’s Paiwan and Puyuma tribes, was named the best rock band for its debut album featuring reggae-inspired Paiwan and Mandarin songs.
Jody Chiang took her 11th Golden Melody award, winning best Taiwanese-language album with “When I Wanted to Marry,” while multicultural pop group Da Mouth captured best singing group for the second time.
The event’s 2011 edition saw 365 albums and over 11,000 songs compete for 24 categories of awards, according to the GIO.
Taiwan’s music industry is forecast to generate over NT$50 billion (US$1.73 billion) in revenue by 2014, the agency said. A major part of this drive involves taking the nation’s music to the world, which will be achieved through a variety of strategic approaches.
These include cultivating talent, implementing new marketing programs and boosting local participation in international festivals and music events, the GIO said. (THN)
Write to Kwangyin Liu at kwangyin.liu@mail.gio.gov.tw