4-Time Nominee: Sauljaljui’s VAIVAIK Shines
at the 36th GMA!
| Celebrating Sauljaljui’s VAIVAIK ! Earns 4 Nominations at 2025 GMA Awards
Out of more than 20,000 submitted works, Sauljaljui’s latest album VAIVAIK—which means “searching and moving forward” in Paiwan—has made a powerful impact, earning four nominations at this year’s Golden Melody Awards:
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Nominations:
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Best Arranger – ‘Dipin Kari Tang’ ft. Taiwu Ballads Troupe (Arranged by Sauljaljui and Vikung Ruljadeng)
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Best Singer (Indigenous Language)
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Best Indigenous Language
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AlbumAlbum of the Year
As her first time serving as album producer, VAIVAIK marks a major milestone in Sauljaljui’s musical journey. The album blends rich Paiwan Indigenous elements with the traditional Minnan instrument yueqin (moon lute), and draws from global influences in rhythm and melody. With this project, she breaks away from conventional frameworks, crafting a sound that is both unique and deeply resonant.
Dear Music Lover,
Great news from Taiwan! The 36th Golden Melody Awards (GMA), the country’s most prestigious and celebrated music event, has officially announced its list of nominees.
Since its founding in 1990, the Golden Melody Awards and Festival has stood as the highest honor in Taiwanese music, recognizing outstanding achievements across genres and languages.
This year, over 20,000 music submissions were received. Jury chair Rachel Ting (Ting Xiao-Wen) highlighted the growing diversity of Taiwan’s music scene—ranging from Indigenous and Hakka languages to Mandarin pop, and even viral party anthems. “Every piece has its own unique reason to be recommended,” she said, emphasizing the rich tapestry of voices and styles represented.
Beyond its success in Taiwan, VAIVAIK has also received international acclaim.
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Earlier this year, it:
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Reached No. 1 on EthnoCloud and appeared eight times in the Global Top 40
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Was featured in the May issue of Songlines magazine
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Ranked No. 7 on the February 2025 Transglobal World Music Chart
VAIVAIK Shines in Songlines May 2025VAIVAIK has also gained significant recognition across Europe, the U.S., and Oceania, with media coverage from notable platforms such as Global Village, Rhythm Passport, World Music Central, Mundofonías, Mundo Sonoro, 2MBS Fine Music Sydney, World Listening Post, and many more. More than just honoring Sauljaljui’s Indigenous roots, VAIVAIK firmly establishes her as a rising force on the global world music stage.
The 36th Golden Melody Awards: June 28 at Taipei Arena
Get ready for one of the most exciting moments for Sauljaljui—and for all of us! We're hopeful and proud as we look forward to the possibility of celebrating these well-deserved honors together.
And that’s not all—after a three-year break, Sauljaljui will return to the GMA Showcase, bringing her powerful music to industry professionals and audiences from Taiwan and around the world. All eyes will be on this moment!To mark the occasion, don’t miss the 2025 FAI Review Cap, featuring Sauljaljui’s stunning track ‘sinisanparavac’ (Dazzling Beyond Compare). Let’s celebrate this milestone together!