HAC Minister Yiong Con-ziin said that, since the establishment of the Council in 2001, the development of Hakka music has been improving year by year. As new voices are emerging in the world of Hakka pop music, Yiong is delighted to find out that many young artists have joined the music scene to present their passion for Hakka culture and their concerns about the country and society with their creations.
Pointing out that music is a universal language that conveys human emotions, the minister appreciated all the Hakka musicians’ efforts in constantly creating innovative works and exploring important issues with their inspiring music. HAC will work together with the Hakka music community to show to the world the vitality of Taiwanese Hakka music, Minister Yiong said, wishing these nominees all the success.
It is worth mentioning that the late Hakka singer-songwriter Chiu Chen (邱晨) is one of the recipients of GMA’s Special Contribution Award this year. Chiu, once the leader of a rock band called “Chiu Chiu (丘丘合唱團),” created many popular Mandarin songs during 1970s and 1980s. In his later years, Chiu devoted himself to social movements and regional revitalization; moreover, he made contribution to Hakka culture by actively writing songs in his mother language and playing some roles in Hakka dramas.
This year’s nominated Hakka musicians include singers Ayugo Huang (黃連煜), Theresa Hsu (徐世慧), Huang Yu-han (黃宇寒), Boiii P (彭柏邑), Kung Ta (龔德), and Hsieh Yu-wei (謝宇威) as well as bands Lo Sirong & Gomoteu (羅思容與孤毛頭) and iColor (愛客樂).