ena mori Wins Best Asian Creative Artist at Taiwan’s Golden Indie Music Awards
Last Updated on November 4, 2026 by Over Here Toronto
Japanese-Filipino artist ena mori won Best Asian Creative Artist at Taiwan’s 17th Golden Indie Music Awards (GIMA), earning international recognition for her EP Ore.
The awards ceremony took place on October 31, 2026, at Taipei Music Center, celebrating independent musicians and original music from Taiwan and across Asia.
Other major winners included Taiwanese band Sunset Rollercoaster, which received Best Album, and jazz musician Yuhan Su, who collected three awards during the evening.
ena mori Wins Best Asian Creative Artist for Ore
The award marks another international achievement for ena mori, a Tokyo-born, Philippines-raised singer-songwriter and producer known for blending experimental pop with classical piano influences.
Her EP Ore earned the Best Asian Creative Artist award, a category recognizing outstanding musical creativity from artists across Asia outside Taiwan.
The category attracted 105 submissions from 10 countries and regions for the 2026 edition, highlighting the growing reach of the awards.
ena mori was nominated alongside fellow Filipino artist SHNTI, whose album Melting PT. was also shortlisted.
The win brings additional international attention to the Philippine independent music scene and to artists working across different cultural and musical traditions.
Who Is Japanese-Filipino Artist ena mori?
Born in Tokyo and raised in the Philippines, ena mori has developed a distinctive sound combining experimental pop, electronic elements, and her background in classical piano.
Her music frequently explores personal experiences through unconventional arrangements and expressive songwriting.
Her 2022 album DON’T BLAME THE WILD ONE! received widespread critical attention and was ranked first on NME Asia’s list of the year’s best Asian albums.
She has also appeared at international music events, including South by Southwest (SXSW) and Japan’s Summer Sonic Festival.
With Ore now receiving a Golden Indie Music Award, ena mori continues to establish her presence in Asia’s independent music community.
Sunset Rollercoaster Takes Home Best Album
Taiwanese indie band Sunset Rollercoaster received Best Album for QUIT QUIETLY.
Known for their blend of indie rock, soul, and retro pop, the band has developed an international following through its distinctive production style.
Their recent collaborative album AAA, recorded with South Korean indie band HYUKOH, also helped introduce their music to wider audiences.
The Best Album award was among the major honours presented during the ceremony.
Yuhan Su Wins Three Awards
Taiwanese jazz musician Yuhan Su was the evening’s most-awarded artist, earning three honours for her project Over The Moons.
Her awards included:
- Best Jazz Album: Over The Moons
- Best Jazz Song: Genius and Dumb
- Jury Award: Recognition for Over The Moons
The results highlighted the range of contemporary jazz represented at the ceremony.
Other award recipients included Outlet Drift, which won Best Band for Masonolay i Cepo’, and Panai, who received both Best Folk Album and Best Folk Song.
Malpace also earned Best R&B Album for ((No wool. No hump)).
International Collaborations Highlight the Awards Ceremony
The 2026 Golden Indie Music Awards featured performances representing different musical traditions from across Asia.
One highlight was ODD WAVES, a collaborative performance involving Wonjin of South Korean alternative music collective Balming Tiger and Taiwanese math-rock band Elephant Gym.
Their set combined intricate instrumental arrangements with experimental vocals and brought together music from both acts.
Japanese psychedelic rock band Tempalay closed the ceremony with performances of Kaminchi and Sonatine.
The event also featured a collaboration among Indigenous Taiwanese singer-songwriter Sauljaljui, jazz musician Yuhan Su, and the Taiwu Ballads Troupe.
These performances emphasized the awards’ role in connecting independent music scenes throughout the region.
What the Award Means for Asian Independent Music
The Golden Indie Music Awards recognize independent and original music across a range of genres, including alternative pop, jazz, rock, folk, electronic music, and hip-hop.
Beyond Taiwan’s domestic music community, the Best Asian Creative Artist category brings attention to musicians working in other parts of the region.
ena mori’s win for Ore highlights the international recognition being earned by artists connected to the Philippines.
For Filipino listeners following the growth of local independent music, the result is another example of Philippine-based talent reaching audiences and industry communities abroad.
More announcements and complete results are available through the Golden Indie Music Awards’ official Instagram account.
Frequently Asked Questions
What award did ena mori win in 2026?
ena mori won Best Asian Creative Artist at Taiwan’s 17th Golden Indie Music Awards for her EP Ore.
When were the 17th Golden Indie Music Awards held?
The ceremony took place on October 31, 2026, at Taipei Music Center in Taiwan.
Is ena mori Filipino?
ena mori is a Japanese-Filipino musician who was born in Tokyo and raised in the Philippines.
Who won Best Album at the 2026 Golden Indie Music Awards?
Taiwanese band Sunset Rollercoaster won Best Album for QUIT QUIETLY.
Who received the most awards at the ceremony?
Taiwanese jazz musician Yuhan Su received three honours, including Best Jazz Album, Best Jazz Song, and the Jury Award.
You Might Also Like…
Interested in more Filipino music news? Read about Fern.’s Kahit Na Umulan gaining attention on TikTok or discover Paco Pastor’s debut single under Offshore Music. For more award updates and results, follow the Golden Indie Music Awards on Instagram.
