ena mori and SHNTI Are Up for Taiwan’s Golden Indie Music Awards. Here’s Why You Should Tune In
If ena mori’s Ore and SHNTI’s Melting PT. aren’t on your listening list yet, now is a good time to catch up. Both Filipino artists are nominated for Best Asian Creative Artist at Taiwan’s 17th Golden Indie Music Awards (GIMA), joining a shortlist that puts original music from across Asia in the spotlight.
The category received 105 entries from artists outside Taiwan, its highest participation on record. Just five works made the nominations list, with ena mori and SHNTI taking two of those spots.
For Filipino music fans, that gives the October 31, 2026 ceremony an extra reason to watch. And with an international livestream planned, following the results won’t require a flight to Taipei.
Two Filipino Artists on a Five-Work Shortlist
The Best Asian Creative Artist category recognizes outstanding original music by artists across Asia outside Taiwan. This year’s nominees are:
- ena mori — Ore
- SHNTI — Melting PT.
- KIKI — Death of a Daisy & Birth of an Oyster
- N.Y.P.D. 南洋派對 — DON’T LIKE 我鍾意
- NAMDO CALLING, comprising Jung Eunhye, CADEJO and Yechan Kim — NAMDO CALLING
Consider it a ready-made listening list before awards night. Alongside the two Filipino nominees, the category offers a chance to explore artists and creative collaborations you may not have encountered yet.
The recognition comes during a particularly competitive edition of GIMA. Across the awards, organizers received 4,242 submissions, with nominees spanning alternative pop, jazz, electronic music, hip-hop and works shaped by different languages and cultural traditions.
Authenticity Takes Centre Stage
The 17th edition carries the theme “觸 TRUE,” bringing together the Taiwanese expression 觸 (chù)—the feeling of being emotionally moved, struck or deeply connected to something—and the English word “TRUE.”
The theme celebrates authentic creative expression and the connections music can build across cultures and borders.
This year’s jury is chaired by Fang Q, bassist of Taiwanese band Cosmos People, who noted that the record-breaking submission count reflects the vitality and diversity of Taiwan’s contemporary music landscape.
Sunset Rollercoaster Is Another Name to Watch
Taiwanese band Sunset Rollercoaster is among this year’s prominent nominees. Its latest album, QUIT QUIETLY, is nominated for Best Album, Best Band and Best Alternative Pop Album.
The album’s track “Bluebird” also earned a nomination for Best Alternative Pop Song, while Tseng Kuo Hung is nominated for Best Singer-songwriter for QUIT QUIETLY.
Beyond the competitive categories, Yuhan Su will receive the Jury Award for Over The Moons. The GIMA Impact Award will honour Blue Note Taipei and founder Tsai Bop for their longstanding contributions to Taiwan’s jazz culture and live music community.
Save These October Dates
The celebration begins before the main ceremony. GIMA LIVE, the awards’ official showcase, takes place on October 21 and 22 at CORNER MAX in Taipei.
The showcase will feature the final performances by nominees in the Best Live Performance category, with the winner determined afterward. It is a separate category from ena mori and SHNTI’s nominations.
The 17th Golden Indie Music Awards Ceremony follows on Saturday, October 31, 2026, at 7 p.m. at Taipei Music Center. Taipei and the Philippines share the same time zone, making that 7 p.m. for Filipino viewers, too.
An international livestream is planned. Follow GIMA’s official Facebook, Instagram and YouTube accounts for the complete nominees list, showcase lineup and viewing updates.
Until then, put Ore and Melting PT. on your queue. By awards night, you’ll have more than two names to root for—you’ll have the music behind the nominations.
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