Top 12 Singers Electrify Daidong! Champions of TAKAO Music Hero Revealed – Winners to Perform at October’s TAKAO Fengchao Stage

A new wave of indigenous musical talent has emerged in Kaohsiung! On the 13th, the Kaohsiung Indigenous Affairs Commission hosted the 'Mi’aza Indigenous Holiday Market & Second TAKAO Music Hero Singing Contest Top 12 Finals' at Fongshan Daidong Wetland Park. The 12 finalists took turns performing on stage, showcasing their vocal prowess and charisma. Cheers and screams filled the air as audiences passionately supported their favorites. Several contestants even used their songs to express love to their partners, adding heartfelt emotion to an already thrilling competition. After intense performances, the champion, runner-up, and third-place winner were crowned, receiving prize money of NT$50,000, NT$30,000, and NT$20,000 respectively. The top two will take the stage at October’s 'TAKAO Fengchao' event.

'Sons of the Mountain' Band heats up the crowd with live music; star-studded judging panel and popular voting draw massive engagement

The final round was also livestreamed online, allowing those unable to attend in person to cheer for contestants via the internet. Kaohsiung City Councilor Chen Xingfu and several distinguished guests attended in person to support the participants and promote the development of Kaohsiung’s indigenous music industry.

To encourage broader participation in the popularity vote, the market offered a special deal: shoppers who spent over NT$300 received a NT$50 voucher and one sticker for the popularity vote. This attracted many citizens and fan groups to visit, shop, and cast their votes. One contestant was awarded the 'Heartthrob Prize' with NT$5,000 after winning the popularity vote. The response was so overwhelming that voting cards temporarily ran out.

In addition to the singing contest, the 'Sons of the Mountain' band delivered a vibrant 30-minute live performance, playing five consecutive songs that energized the entire venue. The audience danced and sang along, transforming Daidong Wetland Park into a dynamic indigenous music stage.

The second TAKAO Music Hero Singing Contest featured a prestigious judging panel, including Tseng Chi-shun, bandleader of the Rakuten Monkeys’ cheering band 'Sons of the Mountain' and music director at Shanzhai Music Restaurant; Paiwan singer-songwriter and music producer Wu-Chiung-En Yakevalit; Paiwan-language composer and instrumental album winner at the 35th Golden Melody Awards (2024), Dakao Nao; Lin Tzu-lin, current cheering music producer for six CPBL teams and lead male vocalist of the TSG Hawks cheering band; and Chang Hsiao-ai, known as the 'Singer from the Construction Site' or 'Sweetheart of the Worksites'. Judges evaluated contestants based on vocal performance, stage presence, and musical uniqueness.

Hosting duties were shared by Pearl (Chen Chu), a standout performer from last week’s qualifying round, and Chen Ze-lin, the first TAKAO Music Hero champion. For Chen Ze-lin, returning to the same stage brought back memories of last year’s tense finale. This time, he served as a supportive 'senior,' encouraging his younger peers as they faced their most crucial performance.

The indigenous holiday market held alongside the finals gathered around 40 specialty vendors offering indigenous cuisine, refreshing drinks, agricultural products, and文创 accessories. Visitors enjoyed shopping while soaking in live music, experiencing the lively fusion of indigenous culture and music.

Abus, Director of the Kaohsiung Indigenous Affairs Commission, stated that the TAKAO Music Hero Singing Contest is more than just a singing competition—it aims to be a vital launchpad for indigenous musical talent to gain visibility and step onto larger stages. The champion and runner-up will perform at the October TAKAO Fengchao stage. The Commission will assist finalists in connecting with management agencies and professional musicians, and prioritize recommending them for regular performances at renowned restaurants and bars, enabling talented indigenous artists to continue performing and building experience.

Abus noted the overwhelming response to today’s popularity vote, with voting cards running short—an indication of how warmly both the TAKAO Music Hero contest and the indigenous market are embraced by indigenous communities and city residents alike. He affirmed the Commission’s ongoing commitment to supporting indigenous music creation and performances, inviting the public to continue following TAKAO Music Hero and indigenous-themed markets to support indigenous artists and cultural industries.