Pop | Abao And Nanquaq Drop Compilation Album N1, Showcasing Taiwan’s Brightest Indigenous Artists

Posted by on April 3, 2021

An incredibly talented and dedicated artist, Abao certainly is one of the brightest talents hailing out of Taiwan. An indigenous artist of Paiwan descent, she is pioneering her own brand of neo-soul and R&B, managing to win the Best Album and Best Song categories at the Golden Melody Awards with her 2019 album “kinakaian,” an award which marks the Chinese-Speaking world’s highest music honor. 

Now, alongside her own organization Nanquaq, she is showcasing the blossoming indigenous artists of Taiwan with N1, a diverse and exciting compilation album featuring 7 emerging talents of indigenous descent: Natsuko, Arase, Dremedreman, Stingie, Drangadrang, Makav, and Kivi. Hailing from four of Taiwan’s 16 recognized indigenous ethnic groups: Paiwan, Bunnan, Amis, and Rukai, these artists come together on N1 to pay homage to their respective indigenous heritage, yet are able to craft gems in every modern genre imaginable, from indie to hip-hop and jazz to dance music. 

N1 was created with the help of experienced indie/electronica producer Huang Shao-yong of Dark Paradise Records, who – alongside Abao – helped the young artists bring their vision to life without any creative restrictions, and guided them along the entire process of recording, arranging and finishing the album. This is a massive step forward for indigenous music in Taiwan, that we can’t wait to hear more of in the future.