Securing a spot in the Best Asian Creative Artist category is an immense feat this year, as the division logged its most competitive cycle in history with a record 105 submissions pulling from every corner of the Asian indie scene.
The Philippines is well-represented at Taiwan’s 17th Golden Indie Music Awards (GIMA), with local indie acts ena mori and SHNTI landing on the official nominees list. Both musicians are competing in the Best Asian Creative Artist category alongside a diverse pool of talent from across the continent. ena mori enters the race with her acclaimed release Ore, while SHNTI secures her placement with Melting PT.
The regional race narrows down to just five finalists, with projects from ena mori (Ore) and SHNTI (Melting PT.) standing out as the top contenders representing the Philippines. Designed explicitly to honor exceptional, original indie music outside of Taiwan, the Best Asian Creative Artist category presents a highly diverse lineup this year. Joining the Filipino acts in the final five are Thailand’s KIKI with Death of a Daisy & Birth of an Oyster, Hong Kong’s N.Y.P.D. (南洋派對) with DON’T LIKE 我鍾意, and South Korea’s NAMDO CALLING—a collaborative effort by Jung Eunhye, CADEJO, and Yechan Kim—for their self-titled release.
Marking a historic milestone for the awards, the division logged a record-shattering 105 entries from non-Taiwanese independent musicians. This unprecedented level of participation makes this cycle the most highly contested edition of the Best Asian Creative Artist category on record.
As one of Taiwan’s premier platforms for independent music, the Golden Indie Music Awards pulled in a staggering 4,242 submissions for its 17th edition. This year’s finalist lineup reflects a vibrant sonic mosaic, spanning genres from alternative pop and jazz to electronic music and hip-hop. The nominated works stand out for their rich linguistic diversity, distinct cultural roots, and unique creative vision.
Anchored by the theme “觸 TRUE,” the 17th GIMA artfully merges the Taiwanese expression 觸 (chù)—which signifies a deep emotional resonance or being profoundly moved—with the English word “TRUE.” This unique concept honors genuine authenticity in songwriting while celebrating music’s unparalleled power to build deep, cross-border cultural connections.
Jury chair Fang Q, the bassist for the popular Taiwanese band Cosmos People, noted that the record-high 4,242 submissions are a clear testament to the strength of the industry. He emphasized that the numbers showcase the true diversity and creative energy driving Taiwan’s contemporary music scene today.
Sunset Rollercoaster leads Taiwan’s nominations
Leading the pack of prominent nominees is the celebrated Taiwanese band Sunset Rollercoaster, whose latest project QUIT QUIETLY scored nods for Best Album, Best Band, and Best Alternative Pop Album. The record’s critical acclaim extends to its individual tracks and production, with “Bluebird” entering the race for Best Alternative Pop Song, and frontman Tseng Kuo Hung landing a nomination for Best Singer-songwriter.
The diverse mix of nominees highlights the vibrant expansion of Taiwan’s indie music scene. By featuring tracks that span multiple genres, languages, and unique creative traditions, the awards show a true snapshot of a multifaceted industry.
Special honorary awards will also take center stage, led by Yuhan Su, who secures the non-competitive Jury Award for Over The Moons. Meanwhile, the GIMA Impact Award is set to recognize Blue Note Taipei and founder Tsai Bop, a tribute to their enduring legacy and vital role in shaping Taiwan’s jazz community and live performance scene.
GIMA LIVE and the 17th Golden Indie Music Awards Ceremony
Serving as the official lead-up showcase, GIMA LIVE will kick off ahead of the main ceremony on October 21 and 22 at CORNER MAX in Taipei. The multi-day showcase will feature the final, decisive performances from the Best Live Performance category nominees. The ultimate winner will be determined and announced right after the live sets conclude.
The grand celebration will culminate on Saturday, October 31, 2026, when the Taipei Music Center hosts the 17th GIMA ceremony at 7:00 PM. Fans and industry insiders around the world won’t have to miss out, as the organizers are providing an international livestream to ensure global viewers can join in on the festivities from anywhere.
The complete list of nominees, the GIMA LIVE lineup, and additional information about the 17th Golden Indie Music Awards are available on the awards’ official Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
