Beijing, China – The 3rd Wave Music Awards – Honor Ceremony, a significant event recognizing outstanding achievements in Chinese music, successfully concluded on June 19, 2025.
Held at the prestigious Beijing Performing Arts Center, the ceremony was initiated by the Wave Music Committee and hosted by the Tencent Music Entertainment Group (TME). The event served as a comprehensive platform to honor the finest Chinese music and artists from the year 2024, highlighting quality creation and bestowing a total of 35 distinct honors across various categories.
Recognizing Musical Excellence
The apex of the ceremony focused on the coveted “Big Three” awards, representing the most significant recognitions in Chinese music. The award for Song of the Year was presented to Zhou Shen for his evocative track, “Little Bliss” (小美满). This marked a key moment, celebrating a song that resonated deeply with audiences and critics alike.
Continuing the recognition of exceptional artistry, Production of the Year was awarded to Shan Yichun for “Chun Girl” (纯妹妹). This honor underscores the critical role of production quality in shaping the contemporary music landscape. The prestigious Album of the Year award went to the widely acclaimed body of work, “The Dreamer” (梦想家), by the late artist Khalil Fong.
Top Artist Triumphs
Several artists received multiple accolades, solidifying their positions as leading figures in the industry. Zhou Shen, in addition to winning Song of the Year, was also recognized with awards for Best Composition and Best Film/TV Song for “Little Bliss”. His triple win underscores the song’s comprehensive impact and artistic merit.
The ceremony also paid tribute to legendary talents. Khalil Fong was posthumously honored with the award for Best Male Singer, in addition to his Album of the Year win. In a poignant moment, his family accepted the awards on his behalf, celebrating his enduring legacy and significant contributions to music. The award for Best Female Singer was presented to the highly respected artist Tanya Chua, recognizing her exceptional vocal performance and artistic influence.
Other key artist recognitions included Hanggai Band, who received the award for Best Duo/Group, highlighting their unique musical identity and collaborative success. JUD Chen was named Best New Artist, signaling a promising future in the Chinese music scene.
Production Prowess and Genre Wins
A notable highlight of the awards was the significant recognition given to the song “Factory” (工厂) by The God of Henan Rap (河南说唱之神). Demonstrating excellence across multiple facets of music creation, “Factory” secured three major production and genre awards:
* Best Single Production
* Best Music Video
* Best Rap Song
This impressive sweep in production and genre-specific categories underscores the growing influence and artistic quality within the Chinese rap scene and highlights the comprehensive artistry behind “Factory”.
Ceremony Highlights
The honor ceremony itself featured memorable performances that captivated the audience. Artists such as Wang Yitai and Hanggai Band, among others, took the stage, offering live renditions that added vibrancy to the evening and celebrated the diversity of Chinese music recognized by the awards.
A Milestone for Chinese Music
The successful conclusion of the 3rd Wave Music Awards in Beijing marks another significant milestone for the Chinese music industry. By recognizing a wide range of talents, from established icons like Khalil Fong and Tanya Chua to burgeoning artists like JUD Chen, and celebrating excellence in both creation and production, the awards reinforced their mission to promote and elevate the quality of Chinese music. The distribution of 35 honors reflects a comprehensive effort to acknowledge the diverse contributions that shape the industry’s future, solidifying the Wave Music Awards as a key event in the annual music calendar.
