Sauljaljui - Vaivaik cover artwork. A photo of the artist leaning forward with a red background.

Sauljaljui’s Vaivaik: A Bold Fusion Rooted in Taiwanese Indigenous Traditions

Sauljaljui – Vaivaik (Wind Music, 2024)

Sauljaljui’s new album, Vaivaik (embarking in the Paiwan language) is a groundbreaking exploration of world fusion music. The album combines traditional and contemporary elements grounded in Taiwanese indigenous folk music, while highlighting themes of culture, nature, and humanity. Following a successful European tour, including a standout performance at WOMAD Festival in Manchester (UK), Vaivaik represents a pivotal moment in Sauljaljui’s artistic journey.

The album’s lead single, “Vaivaik (Searching for My Path),” presents the traditional yueqin (Chinese moon lute) in a new form by transforming it into a rhythmic instrument. This innovative approach, combined with global influences, results in a danceable, fresh Taiwanese sound.

Another highlight, “Dipin Kari Tang,” features a remarkable amalgamation of traditional Mauritian rhythms and Paiwan indigenous melodies.

Born in Kapanan, a tribal community in southern Taiwan, Sauljaljui draws heavily from her deep connection to the land. Her song “tjualayu (Tjualayu Mountain)” reflects her journey of building a home from the ground up and captures the transformative essence of nature. Similarly, the minimalist track “madjadjumak” (Finding Each Other) was recorded in a single take.

A member of Taiwan’s Indigenous minority, Sauljaljui has emerged as both a pioneering artist and cultural advocate. She has hosted the Indigenous cultural program The Sound of Nasi and conducted workshops to promote Indigenous heritage. Her efforts to preserve traditional sounds while pushing musical boundaries have earned her international recognition and acclaim.

Track Overview:

Track 01: Dipin Kari Tang (Bread, Curry, Hedgehog)
Inspired by Sauljaljui’s travels in Mauritius, this track incorporates traditional drum rhythms she learned from a local friend. The phrase “Dipin Kari Tang” represents the deep connection between her experiences on the island and her tribal roots, adapted into a danceable fusion of cultures.

Track 02: Vaivaik (Searching for My Path)
The title track reflects Sauljaljui’s journey of self-discovery through exploration and growth. It emphasizes themes of faith and identity, combining introspective lyrics with vigorous global influences.

Track 03: sinisanparavac (Dazzling Beyond Compare)
Dedicated to her sisters Pisirian and Emlyn, this song celebrates individuality and mutual inspiration. It highlights their influence on Sauljaljui’s personal and artistic development.

Track 04: sapuy (Torch)
This track was inspired by a firefly seen near Sauljaljui’s fire pit, symbolizing personal and collective illumination. It emphasizes unity and mutual support, using fire as a metaphor for resilience.

Track 05: mesaceqalj (Ease of Mind)
“mesaceqalj” reflects the peace Sauljaljui experienced after moving into her mountain home. The track incorporates natural sounds and evokes a sense of contentment and harmony with nature.

Track 06: tjualayu (Tjualayu Mountain)
Named after the location of Sauljaljui’s home, this track chronicles her journey of building a house from natural materials. It conveys gratitude and the transformative power of nature.

Track 07: Anun Bala (Hello)
Based on Sauljaljui’s visit to Kuching, Malaysia, this song honors shared Austronesian roots. It incorporates the local greeting “Anun Bala” and concludes with a traditional Sarawak song, “Liling.”

Track 08: mapeljuq a zian (The Harvest Dance)
This piece is a prayer for rain and a reflection on the imbalance between humanity and nature. It combines Hengchun folk music with the yueqin to evoke the earth’s plea for renewal.

Track 09: madjadjumak (Finding Each Other)
Recorded live with minimal instrumentation, this track symbolizes connection and resilience. Using two chords to represent a river and the sea, it reflects Sauljaljui’s desire to unite and support others through music.

Buy Vaivaik.

Author: Angel Romero

Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.
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