The Golden Indie Music Awards, better known as GIMA, returns for its 16th year to celebrate the artists and creators who keep Asiaâs independent music scene alive, from the performers onstage to the countless people working behind the scenes.
One of the biggest highlights is the âBest Asian Creative Artist Award,â which honors artists across Asia who stand out for their originality and boldness.
GIMA 2025âs theme, âBrave,â celebrates musicians who dare to create on their own terms, those who confront expectations head-on while staying true to their art with honesty and heart.
As always, the nominees for Best Asian Creative Artist reflect the incredible diversity of Asiaâs indie scene, crossing languages and genres yet united by sincerity and a distinct artistic identity. More than 60 works were submitted this year from Japan, South Korea, China, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, and Thailand.
The 2025 nominees include South Korean electro-punk duo Fat Hamster & KANG New, rising R&B and neo-soul artist Jacqui (also from Korea), Indonesian indie band Lomba Sihir, socially charged rock group .Feast, and Tokyo-born, Melbourne-based violinist-producer-singer ELLE SHIMADA, all bringing new textures and fearless creativity to Asiaâs sonic landscape.
Although no Thai artists were nominated this time, AUTTA, one of Thailandâs sharpest rappers, will proudly represent the country with a special live collaboration alongside Taiwanâs dreamy pop trio The Chairs. Word has it theyâre even working on a new song togetherâone fans might get to hear very soon.
This yearâs GIMA saw a record 4,052 submissions from across Asia. Among the standout Taiwanese acts, rapper Hsien Ching (éģåŦšé) leads with seven nominations across two of her genre-bending hip-hop albums, known for both sonic inventiveness and sharp reflections on womanhood.
Another major contender is Lilium (įūåčą), whose electrifying blend of traditional Taiwanese sounds and modern rock earned six nominations. Rising names like Enno Cheng (éåŪčūē), Modern Cinema Master (įķäŧĢéŧå―ąåĪ§åļŦ), YELLOW (éŧåŪĢ), Dinosaurâs Skin (æéūįįŪ), and Andr also made the shortlist, signaling a vibrant new wave in Taiwanâs indie music scene.
GIMA 2025 will take place on November 1 at the Taipei Music Center, with free admission for anyone in town during the ceremony. More details can be found on the official GIMA website, as well as its Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube channels.
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