TBT
(taiwu ballads troupe)
- Taiwan -
#A Celestial Call From the Earth
TBT (Taiwu Ballads Troupe), founded by Camake Valaule in Pingtung, is dedicated to preserving traditional Paiwan polyphony through oral transmission from tribal elders. Over the years, the troupe has collected and passed down nearly one hundred ancient melodies, becoming one of Taiwan’s most representative Indigenous vocal ensembles, they have been described as “heavenly music that allows one to see the mountains and hear the breeze.”
TBT has performed at major international stages, including WOMADelaide, WOMAD New Zealand, and the Rainforest World Music Festival, with tours spanning Japan, the United States, Germany, France, and many other European countries.
In April 2026, TBT releases its first new album in 14 years, Kivaljuq – Songs in Full Bloom, produced by Golden Melody Award–winning producer Judy Wu. Fusing traditional Paiwan polyphony with contemporary world music rhythms, the album marks a vibrant new chapter for these ancient songs.
REviews
“If his intention was to persuade Western listeners to give the music of a choir from an indigenous group of people from Taiwan a hearing – a big ask – he has succeeded.” – Graham Reid (Elsewhere, NZ)
video
MUSIC
Kivaljuq
(metamorphosis)
2026
Kivaljuq signifies “metamorphosis” and this album is the story of the traditional ballads evolving together with the girls of Taiwu, from their nurturing through to their ultimate transformation. Their voices are their unique instruments, producing pure and resonant sounds reaching into the depths of the soul. Studying under the guidance of the late founding artistic director Camake Valaule since their childhood, the singers have the ballads woven into the very fabric of their lives. With this album, TBT is no longer just a troupe performing the ancient melodies. They have become a transformed vocal group. Like flowers in full bloom, their voices radiate a new confidence and presence.
Who's singing
at vuvu's house?
2022
GMAFTA 34th Best Crossover Album Award (2023)
Nominated for the Best Album Producer Award at 34th GMAFTA (2023)
Over seven years and four generations, this singing story embodies a creative spirit that resonates deeply. It encapsulates contemporary cultural values and the importance of heritage. The tale, originating beneath Dawu Mountain, is not just a vivid human account of tradition but also a priceless treasure. With reggae, dance, electronic beats, rap, and unconventional styles, the performance blends campus instruments seamlessly, delivering a delightful listening experience filled with surprises.
to & from the heart
With Daniel Ho, 2013
GMA 25th Best Indigenous Language Album (2014)
Independent Music Awards 13th Best Album Packaging Design (2014)
Nominated for Best Vocal Group at 25th GMA (2014)
Six-time Grammy Award winner Daniel Ho and the enchanting symphony of Taiwu ancient songs. As melodies soar into the sky and music takes flight, they traverse cultural barriers, discovering a common language in the spirit of Paiwan traditional tunes. With Daniel employing Western musical techniques and Taiwu ancient songs sung in Eastern vocal artistry, they create a beautiful harmony that transcends ethnicities and genres, offering listeners a captivating musical experience.
where the songs begin
2011
GMAFTA 23rd Best Interpretation Award (2012)
Nominated for Best Fusion Album, Best Music Arrangement and Best Album Producer at 23rd GMAFTA (2012)
Thirteen children from the tribe, along with their teacher Camake Valaule. After a century-long hiatus from traditional songs, they return to the waterfall to sing their own tunes. With voices as celestial as the heavens and a passion for singing, they rekindle the tribe's longing for ancient melodies. Their songs transcend time and space, echoing through the skies over the tribe, the city, and various parts of the world. There's a kind of emotion in this, and it's called 'sharing.'
JOURNAL
.jpg)
The album 'Who's singing at vuvu's house?'
Taiwu Ballads Troupe & DJ Dungi Sapor on Headliner (CZ)
Live: Taiwu Ballads Troupe
at WOMAD 2019
