Together with other aboriginal artists, Suana is engaged in a process of cultural rediscovery to enrich and diversify the pop industry. “In today’s increasingly pluralistic society, we’ve got a great opportunity to reawaken and popularize our ancient melodies,” he said.
The native of southeastern Taiwan’s Taitung County founded Creating Music Orchestra, a collective based in New Taipei City working to preserve and revitalize the Amis language. Comprising 10 performers of indigenous and nonindigenous descent, CMO lends a contemporary vibe to time-honored folk songs from the Amis tribe.
“Our people boast an assortment of storytelling tunes passed down through oral traditions and we want to share these with the world,” he said.
Vibrant cover art adorns the band’s GMA-winning record “Naomi.” (Courtesy of CMO)
In the past, aboriginal musicians wrote songs primarily in Chinese, a reflection of their upbringing in the former authoritarian period, when performing in indigenous tongues was discouraged or outright forbidden. Now, Suana and others are committed to creating works solely in their own languages.
He wrote the majority of the music and lyrics for CMO’s two albums: “The Journal of Freedom” and “Naomi,” which both proved critical successes. The former was shortlisted for best indigenous album at the 2016 Golden Melody Awards (GMA), Taiwan’s version of the Grammys, while the latter secured that title this year.
“We’re carrying on the successful efforts of our predecessors in preserving indigenous heritage,” Suana said at the GMA awards ceremony in June. “Our people will remain committed to spreading and promoting the beautiful voices of Taiwan.”
The band also adapts its music into theatrical productions to reach wider audiences. Last year, they toured schools and colleges including the National Taiwan University Center for the Arts in Taipei with a show featuring songs from “Naomi.”
CMO members stage a theatrical production featuring songs from “Naomi” at National Taiwan University Center for the Arts Dec. 1, 2017, in Taipei. (Courtesy of CMO)
Suana is optimistic about aboriginal cultural development, pointing to growing knowledge of tribal heritage among younger indigenous performers. “They’re ready to add an alternative flavor to mainstream music,” he said. (E) (By Pat Gao)
CMO performs at Anhe 65 cafe June 14, 2016, in Taipei. (Courtesy of CMO)
Write to Taiwan Today at ttonline@mofa.gov.tw
(This article is adapted from Tribal Melodies in the September/October 2018 issue of Taiwan Review. The Taiwan Review archives dating to 1951 are available online.)