2023
About the Program
“Nobody is an outsider” comes from a song by Amis musician Panai Kusui, and it conveys the message that everyone is a part of this land and that no one is excluded. This lyric has been widely quoted in various public advocacy initiatives, encouraging people to unite and focus on one another.
DJ Dungi Sapor and Gary Bannon, as Indigenous musicians, show pride and perseverance in their respective musical paths. Dungi Sapor combines electronic music with traditional melodies, boldly exploring and expressing the confidence and uniqueness of her culture. Gary Bannon blends Indigenous music with electronic bass, creating strong energy and impact, bringing a modern imagination to his tribal culture.
As these two Indigenous musicians bridge the two sides of the ocean, new sparks are created, inspiring more creativity and acceptance. Through music, they not only highlight the strength, diversity, and value of their traditional cultures, but also inspire active appreciation for Indigenous cultures. Their music conveys a positive message, calling us to come together to create a more inclusive and harmonious world. Come listen and dance as these two Indigenous DJs cross the Pacific Ocean with their passion and talent, igniting hope across the world!
DJ Dungi Sapor grew up in the glorious Cikasuan village of the Amis tribe in Hualien. She was discriminated against and excluded by her peers because of her Indigenous identity when she was a child, but this did not destroy her confidence in her identity. She even studied finance law in hopes of helping her tribe and her people, and was also briefly an assistant at the National Congress of Taiwan. By reinterpreting and innovating with new music, she integrates Indigenous culture into contemporary sound, breaking the stereotype of Indigenous music. At the same time, she appreciates the traditional sounds of the world’s Indigenous population. She is currently experimenting with integrating the hand drum of the Indigenous Peoples of Canada, and will be sharing her new creation for the first time at this event.
Hailing from the Great North West (Thunder Bay) Anemki Waziw (Thunder Mountain), Gary Bannon is an Indigenous artist from the Mukwa DodemClan (Bear Clan). Bridging Indigenous instruments and singers with underground electronic bass music, GDUBZ is a force stronger than gravity itself. Harder than nails, tougher than tough, his heavy bass and grimy synths penetrate deep and hit you like a boot to the chest.
Diving into the electronic music scene head first a decade ago has paid off in dividends for this West Coast Indigenous producer. The ride has only just begun for this multi-talented musician. Currently holding it down on Bear Clan Records, Wakaan, MalLabel, Artist Intelligence Agency and others. One can’t help but be drawn in by the powerful beats and thunderous bass that are quickly becoming synonymous with the one and only GDUBZ.
From the Curating Team
Indigenous communities in Canada and Taiwan are reclaiming their heritage, blending traditional and contemporary art into a refreshing take on the journey of self-identity. This performance series showcases the beauty of cultural convergence, featuring Chinese orchestral music, Indigenous songs, and electronic music.
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Performance / Vendor / Sponsorship Opportunities
TAIWANfest Vancouver is grateful to be held on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territories of the Coast Salish peoples of the xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam Indian Band), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish Nation), and Səl̓ílwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation). We acknowledge our privilege to be gathered here, and commit to work with and be respectful to the Indigenous peoples of this land while we engage in meaningful conversations of culture and reconciliation.