Golden Indie Music Awards 2025 honors Asia’s brightest independent artists
The 16th Golden Indie Music Awards (GIMA) turned Taipei Music Center into a celebration of independent sound and creativity on November 1, 2025. The event brought together over 30 artists from Taiwan, Korea, and Thailand for a night that honored bold artistry and cross-cultural collaboration.
Hsien Ching led the winners, taking home Best New Artist, Best Alternative Pop Album, and Best Hip-hop Song. Her dual albums broke genre boundaries, proving that fresh ideas still drive Taiwan’s indie scene. Robot Swing’s fusion of funk and R&B earned them Best Band, while rapper someshiit won Best Hip-hop Album for “A Fool,” signaling a new wave of Taiwanese hip-hop.
Lilium’s “Everything Will Go Wonderfully” won Best Album and the Jury Award, reflecting the festival’s vision to honor music that stays true to artistic passion. Japan’s Elle Shimada took home Best Asian Creative Artist for “Lullaby for the River in My Body,” dedicating her win to “girls with big dreams.”
Performances carried the theme “Brave.” Sorry Youth opened with ritual-inspired energy. Lilium joined Siri Lee for a set celebrating gender equality. someshiit and That’s My Shhh led a hip-hop showcase that pulsed with raw spirit. I’mdifficult and Andr offered a heartfelt segment about courage and empathy.
Modern Cinema Master, winner of Best Live Performance, stunned with a bold and immersive act. Thai rapper AUTTA and Taiwanese trio The Chairs united for a special Taiwan–Thailand collaboration, while Korean band Silica Gel closed the night with “NO PAIN” and “APEX.”
The 16th GIMA once again proved that Asia’s independent music thrives on collaboration, courage, and creativity.
