Japanese-Filipino singer-songwriter and producer ena mori received the Best Asian Creative Artist award at the 17th Golden Indie Music Awards (GIMA), held on October 31, 2026, at the Taipei Music Center in Taiwan.
Her win was among the highlights of this year's ceremony, which recognized independent and original music from Taiwan and across Asia. The award was given for her latest EP, Ore, adding to the growing recognition of cross-cultural voices in the region's independent music scene.
Born in Tokyo and raised in the Philippines, ena mori is known for combining classical piano influences with experimental pop. Her 2022 album, DON'T BLAME THE WILD ONE!, topped NME Asia's list of the best Asian albums of the year. She has also performed at international music events such as SXSW and Japan's Summer Sonic Festival.
Sunset Rollercoaster and Yuhan Su among the major winners
Taiwanese indie band Sunset Rollercoaster won Best Album for QUIT QUIETLY. The band has also drawn international attention through AAA, its collaborative album with South Korean indie group HYUKOH.
Jazz musician Yuhan Su was one of the night's most-awarded artists, receiving three honors for Over The Moons: Best Jazz Album, Best Jazz Song for “Genius and Dumb” (天才與笨蛋), and the Jury Award.
Other notable winners included Outlet Drift, named Best Band for Masonolay i Cepo’, and Panai, who received two folk music awards for the album Minsumin (來了) and the song “A Bird Without Feathers” (是誰). Malpace took home Best R&B Album for its debut release, ((No wool. No hump)).
Cross-border collaborations take the stage
The ceremony's performances reflected the international connections within Asia's independent music community.
One highlight was ODD WAVES, a collaboration between Wonjin of South Korean alternative collective Balming Tiger and Taiwanese math-rock trio Elephant Gym. Their set included Elephant Gym songs “Mirror” (鏡子) and “Midway” (中途), Wonjin's “Ice King” (겨울왕자), and collaborative performances of “Witches” (女巫) and “Candy” (캔디가 생각나).
Japanese psychedelic rock band Tempalay closed the ceremony with “Kaminchi” (かみんち) and “Sonatine” (そなちね). The trio, composed of Ryoto Ohara, Natsuki Fujimoto, and AAAMYYY, brought its mix of psychedelic rock, electronic textures, and experimental pop to the Taipei stage.
Other performances showcased the range of Taiwan's music traditions and contemporary sounds. Paiwan singer-songwriter Sauljaljui (戴曉君), Yuhan Su, and the Taiwu Ballads Troupe (TBT 泰武古謠傳唱) joined forces for a performance combining Indigenous Taiwanese musical traditions with contemporary jazz.
Meanwhile, Best Live Performance winner That's My Shhh represented Taiwan's hip-hop scene with “LIVE A LIFE.”
Celebrating independent music across Asia
From ena mori's recognition as Best Asian Creative Artist to the collaborations between musicians from Taiwan, Japan, and South Korea, the 17th Golden Indie Music Awards highlighted the breadth of independent music in the region.
For the complete list of winners and further announcements, follow the Golden Indie Music Awards through its official social media channels.
