MOC unveils Taiwan songwriting contest winners

2015/09/01

Winners of the 2015 Taiwan Music Composition and Songwriting Contest were unveiled Aug. 29 in Taipei City by the Ministry of Culture, with local talents honored for artistic expression in their native tongues.

The 12th edition of the event involved 30 artists and groups battling it out for three cash prizes of NT$300,000 (US$9,204) in the categories of Hakka, Holo and indigenous at the event hall of CPC Corp. headquarters.

After a final round of live performance competition, Lai Yu-chiao was crowned Hakka laureate with her urban folk tune “True Freedom Is,” while Lin Chih-li finished on top in Holo with “Pilgrimage,” a song about the cultural importance of traditional religion.

Paiwan musician Geyou Sz Yayabaran claimed first prize for indigenous languages with a moving tribute to his mother, “My Girl.” His soulful vocals and laid-back style were celebrated as reminiscent of eastern Taiwan’s timeless landscape.

During the presentation ceremony, MOC Minister Hung Meng-chi said it is a great pleasure to hear the variety of voices represented by homegrown artists. “We are hoping to see their music reach a wider audience after the competition.”

According to Hung, the ministry will publish a CD of the award-winning songs. In addition, a concert featuring the original performers will take place Sept. 26 at Shin Kong Mitsukoshi Champs Elysees Plaza in Taipei’s Xinyi District, he said.

“There is every reason to believe that through the rich diversity of this music, Taiwan’s unique cultural heritage will be embraced by more locals and passed on to the future generations.”

Source: Taiwan Today (http://taiwantoday.tw/ct.asp?xItem=234398&ctNode=413)