Tanya Chua Reflects on 20 Years in Taiwan and Musical Evolution

Tanya Chua, the acclaimed Singaporean singer, recently reflected on her transformative journey in Taiwan during an appearance on Bowie Tsang’s talk show, Let’s Go Home. Celebrating nearly 20 years in Taipei, Chua detailed how moving to Taiwan in 2006 marked a significant turning point in her life and career.

Chua, now aged 50, faced considerable challenges before her relocation. “I had no choice. In my life, I’ve always had to make decisions after being forced into a corner,” she shared candidly. Her struggles with her previous record label and agency in Singapore left her feeling defeated, a sentiment she encapsulated when she recalled winning her first Golden Melody Award during this tumultuous period. “Someone I really trusted told me: ‘No one wants you anymore, why are you still so insistent on singing the songs you wrote?’” Chua explained, highlighting the pressure that pushed her to adapt her musical style.

Chua began exploring songs written by others, driven by the belief that audiences preferred KTV-style music. This shift led her to reevaluate her purpose in the music industry. “I did not have a natural affinity with singing, but instead, fell in love with music when I began penning my own lyrics,” she noted. The turning point came when she made the bold decision to move to Taiwan, armed only with three months of rental money, her guitar, and a suitcase.

“Tanya, you either give up on music right now, or you move to Taiwan,” she recalled telling herself. Without an agency or label, she started anew in Taipei, laying the groundwork for what would become a successful career.

Reflecting on her journey, Chua emphasized that many people underestimated the struggles behind her achievements. “At that point, I had already been singing for quite a few years, but no one thought of the process [of what I had to go through]. They would think ‘Oh, you already got an award, everything must be going smoothly’. But that was not the case. I felt like I had hit rock bottom,” she stated.

Her unexpected two-decade stay in Taiwan has been life-changing. “Taiwan is really a place where I experienced the most growth, changed the most, and been through the most phases to become the version of myself I love the most today. So I’m very thankful to Taiwan,” Chua expressed.

Since relocating, she has won three additional Golden Melody Awards for Best Mandarin Female Singer, solidifying her status in the music scene. Chua revealed, “Since I was young, I always felt a bit like a vagabond, without a home that belonged to me. I did not fit in anywhere.” It was in Taiwan that she found acceptance and affirmation, which greatly contributed to her self-confidence.

“[Taiwan] is a place where I became sure of myself, and this is home,” she concluded, encapsulating her gratitude for the nation that embraced her.

Chua’s story reflects the resilience and adaptability of artists facing adversity, and her journey has inspired many in the music industry and beyond.