BY THE EDITORS
Taiwan’s most prestigious music award, the Golden Indie Music Awards (GIMA), has announced that the 2025 awards ceremony will be held on November 1 at the Taipei Music Center, promising another evening that spotlights the richness and creativity of independent music from across Asia. This year, GIMA centers around the theme “Brave,” emphasizing the core value of creativity as a form of resistance against fear. It proudly supports artists who courageously stay true to themselves and refuse to conform to mainstream trends. All award categories are now open for submission—including the highly anticipated Best Asian Creative Artist Award, which is open to musicians from all over Asia, with no restrictions on genre or language.
Hosted by the Taiwan Ministry of Culture’s Bureau of Audiovisual and Music Industry Development, GIMA has long served as a vital force in nurturing Taiwan’s vibrant independent music scene. To enhance international appeal, the “Best Asian Creative Artist Award” has been established to raise the global profile of the event, encourage participation from music creators and bands across Asia, and promote the integration of Taiwanese pop music into the global music scene.
Past winners and nominees span diverse styles and regions, showcasing Asia’s vibrant music scene. Notable acts include the iconic Korean alternative rock band Silica Gel, Indonesian hip-hop pioneer Rich Brian, Japan’s dynamic ATARASHII GAKKO!, Korean-American rapper AUDREY NUNA, genre-blending Rina Sawayama, and Japan’s quirky J-pop group CHAI. Their recognition highlights GIMA’s role in spotlighting cutting-edge talent. Beyond awards, GIMA’s ceremony has become a key platform for international collaboration, featuring performers like Japanese singer-songwriter Tatsuya Kitani, Korean folk-pop artist Lang Lee and SINCE, a powerful female rapper from the popular hip-hop program “Show Me The Money”, and even leading Japanese bands King Gnu and ALI having been honored as award presenters, further highlighting GIMA’s role as a hub for music innovators in Asia.
Entering its 16th edition this year, GIMA seems to have entered the turning point of growing from a teenager to a young adult, symbolizing the transformation of the GIMA itself and mirroring the maturation of Taiwan’s music scene. This year’s theme, “Brave,” focuses on how creators live with fear and turn their creations into actions against fear. The curatorial focus shines a spotlight on musicians who courageously embrace their true selves and refuse to be defined by trends, embodying the spirit of “Brave is the new normal.”
Submissions for the 2025 Best Asian Creative Artist Award are open from May 29 to July 1 and must be completed online. Eligible applicants include all non-Taiwanese Asian artists or groups, with no restrictions on genre or language. For full submission guidelines and more information, please visit the official GIMA website.
