Biography
"Finding A Way Home Through Music"
“Boundless Wildness” – Sauljaljui is a renowned indigenous vocalist from southern Taiwan, celebrated for her soulful interpretations of traditional Paiwan melodies and Hengchun folk songs. Accompanied by the Yueqin (Moon Lute), she masterfully blends these ancient tunes with global musical influences, creating a unique sound that resonates through her captivating voice. In addition to her musical talents, Sauljaljui has played a pivotal role in organizing numerous cultural events, including tribal festivals and community gatherings, solidifying her position as an indispensable initiator of cultural preservation.
In 2024, Sauljaljui expanded her artistic reach by hosting a new music television program, “The Sound of Nasi,” showcasing her versatility as both a host and a singer. Her musical achievements have earned her widespread recognition, with both of her albums receiving nominations at the prestigious Golden Melody Awards, further establishing her as a talented and influential artist. Passionate about preserving and sharing her cultural heritage through music, she has earned acclaim both in Taiwan and internationally. Guided by her philosophy of “Finding A Way Home Through Music,” she continues to spread the spirit of her culture worldwide.
Beyond her solo career, Sauljaljui has collaborated with internationally acclaimed artists such as Deep Forest and Daniel Ho. She has performed on major global stages, including 2017 Rainforest World Music Festival, 2020 Global Toronto Festival, 2023 ACC World Music Festival, and 2023 World Music Festival @ Taiwan. In 2024, she performed at the renowned Tallinn Music Week in Estonia and participated in the Gwangju Busking World Cup. Building on years of exceptional performances, Sauljaljui embarked on her debut European tour in the summer of 2024, appearing at prestigious festivals such as Colours of Ostrava in the Czech Republic, WOMAD in the UK, and Sfinks Mixed in Belgium.
Looking ahead, Sauljaljui will continue to share her unique Paiwan style and powerful vocals in 2025, with performances at the North American folk music gala FAI (Folk Alliance International) and WOMADelaide in Australia, further carrying the spirit of her wildness as a cultural ambassador from Taiwan.
Timeline
2025
- WOMADelaide (Australia)
- Folk Alliance International (Canada)
2024
- Colours of Ostrava (Czech Republic)
- WOMAD Festival (United Kingdom)
- Sfinks Fixed Festival (Belgium)
- Tallinn Music Week (Estonia)
- Gwangju Busking World Cup
5th Place (South Korea)
2023
- ACC World Music Festival (South Korea)
- World Music Festival @ Taiwan (Taiwan)
- Golden Melody Award Music Festival (Taiwan)
2020-2022
- Taitung Spirit Festival (Taiwan)
- Asia-Pacific Traditional Arts Festival (Taiwan)
- Pasiwali Music Festival (Taiwan)
2016-2019
- Bangkok International Book Exhibition (Thailand)
- Rainforst World Music Festival w/Taiwu Ballads Troupe (Malaysia)
- World Music Festival @Taiwan (Taiwan)
- Shanghai World Music Festival (China)
Reviews
" Her soaring voice is accompanied by didgeridoo drones, booming tribal percussion and call-to-response chants, establishing a decidedly epic and euphoric atmosphere. "
— Charlie Cawood (Songlines, UK)
" Not only did she clearly surpass her predecessors in terms of music and musicianship, but she also excelled in her singing. "
— Jan Trávníček (musicserver.cz, Czech Republic)
" Her compositions and performance are positively complimentary of each other. Furthermore, I sensed that aside from the musicality, there is a deeper hidden 'sense of purpose'."
— Kuang Ping Tso (Udn News, Taiwan)
Latest Single
'Dipin Kari Tang'
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“Dipin Kari Tang,” pronounced close to “Jī ba kā lǐ dāng!,” is a story from the island nation of Mauritius in the Indian Ocean. During her travels there, Sauljaljui had the opportunity to learn traditional percussion from local friends. They not only taught her the beats but also sang the accompanying tones of the rhythm known as Dipin Kari Tang.
The three words come from the local Creole language, and when translated literally, they mean “bread, curry, hedgehog.” Sauljaljui embraced this rhythm deeply, returning to Taiwan where she rearranged it with local tribal influences, carrying it with her as she continues to share it with the world.
The original version features soulful vocals by the Paiwan Taiwu Ballads Troupe, who added rich chord layers to the song. Introduced by the renowned producer Ni-Bing, Sauljaljui met producer Indus, who blends dynamic Colombian traditional elements into electronic beats, bringing a taste of South America from the far side of the world, alongside the danceable rhythm played on the Yueqin (Moonlute).
Latest EP
'Sapuy' and 'Anun Bala'
Since her last album 'Insides Revealed' released five years ago, Sauljaljui has gathered profound energy, channeling her love for her homeland and hometown into melodies.
Both songs are created in the indigenous language. The first, "Sapuy" (meaning 'torch'), was inspired by a firefly in her hometown of Kapanan. It conveys the message that everyone can lift the torch of our souls to illuminate others and support each other.
The second EP, "Anunbala" (meaning 'How are you' in Malay), features Malaysian Sarawak artist Alena Murang. Both artists hail from regions bound by rivers and share numerous Austronesian languages. They aspire for our spirits to flow like the river, ceaselessly toward the sea.
2024 European Tour
In 2024, Sauljaljui, the extraordinary Paiwan indigenous vocalist from Taiwan, will enchant Europe with her culturally resonant melodies accompanied by the traditional Yueqin instrument.
After captivating audiences at prestigious international festivals such as the 2023 ACC World Music Festival with a co-production alongside Hey-String (S.KR), and the 'Korea-Taiwan Music Flight' at the 2024 Tallinn Music Week, she is set to embark on her inaugural European tour starting in mid-July.
Her tour will span four countries, from Colours of Ostrava in the Czech Republic to Taiwan Verein in Deutschland e.V. in Germany, followed by WOMAD UK, and culminating at the Sfinks Mixed in Belgium.
On July 3rd, she released two new EP songs, poised to introduce her music to European audiences. Let's accompany Sauljaljui on her captivating global journey!
Tour Highlights
Music Video
masi sicuayan
(Like It Used to Be)
cemavulid
(Battle Song)
Listen on
Album
'Insides Revealed'
Inside the tribal female warrior, she is a stage singer-songwriter. Outside, she embodies the power and beauty of traditional melodies inside, while exuding the unrestrained and swinging vibe of pop music outside. She navigates through a unique blend of genres, including pop, Latin, reggae, folk, and rhythm blues.
This album has been nominated for the Best Pop Album Award, the Best Indigenous Language Album Award, and the Best Indigenous Language Singer Award at the 31st Golden Melody Awards.
