Golden Melody Awards celebrate rich cultural heritage of Hokkien music

The 2025 World Hokkien Golden Melody Awards, the world's largest Hokkien language music gala, concluded on Saturday in Xiamen, Southeastern China's Fujian province, celebrating the rich cultural heritage of Hokkien music and its resonance across the Taiwan Strait and overseas communities.

The gala brought together musicians and cultural figures from the Chinese mainland, Taiwan, Southeast Asia, Europe and the Americas. Over 10 major awards were presented, including best original song, best male and female vocalists, best composer and lyricist, and a lifetime achievement award, recognizing excellence in creation, performance and production. Live performances offered audiences an immersive experience of Hokkien music's contemporary energy and historical depth.

"The power of culture can unite hearts across oceans," said Ke Xiping, chief planner of the gala and chairman of the Xiamen Federation of Industry and Commerce. "We aim to make the Hokkien Golden Melody Awards a cultural hub connecting history and the future, fostering understanding across the Strait and strengthening global recognition of Chinese culture."

Founded by Chen Fei, a prominent Hokkien-language singer and cross-Strait goodwill ambassador, the gala has evolved into a "cultural magnet", linking communities through shared language and emotion.

"Every note of Hokkien music carries the warmth of home and the heartbeat of shared identity," Chen said. "Our mission is to let Hokkien culture shine globally — preserving its roots while encouraging dialogue with modern art forms."

Since its founding in 2006, the awards have attracted over 120,000 participants from more than 50 countries and regions. This year's finalists were selected from seven competition zones, including the Chinese mainland, Taiwan, the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, and overseas regions. Jeff Chen from Taiwan was awarded the global champion title.

Performances bridged generations and regions, with singers from Taiwan, Malaysia, and the Chinese mainland uniting in collaborative acts. Taiwan singer Pai Bing-bing, co-leading the Taiwan region competition, said: "When we sing together, our hearts beat in unison despite distance. Music turns shared memories into a living bridge across the Strait."

Malaysian performer Freddie Huang Yi Fei highlighted the global influence of Hokkien music with his renditions of local classics.

The evening concluded with a powerful chorus of Those Who Strive Will Win, celebrating the enduring spirit and unity of Hokkien communities worldwide. Broadcast live across platforms including Douyin, Weibo and YouTube, the gala demonstrated how traditional music can connect cultures, honor heritage, and inspire new generations across the globe.