Taipei: Rapper Lu Shih-hsuan was named best male Mandarin singer at the Golden Melody Awards (GMA) on Saturday. Lu, better known by his stage name Trout Fresh, received the accolade for his third album, “Good Sound with Attitudes,” which garnered a total of four nominations at the prestigious event.

According to Focus Taiwan, Lu’s album was inspired by a close friend who passed away suddenly after surgery. Lu aimed to convey a positive message through his music, drawing from the kindness and generosity his late friend had shown him and others. This influence left a significant impact on Lu’s life, shaping the messages he wanted to share through his work.

Lu, aged 36, first made a name for himself in Taiwan’s music scene with his debut album “Mistaken into the Way” in 2017. This album earned him accolades at the 2018 Golden Indie Music Awards, where he won Best Hip-Hop Album and Best Hip-Hop Single. His journey from those early successes to the current recognition at the GMA highlights his growth as an artist.

In his acceptance speech, Lu humorously referenced his mother’s past remarks, saying, “My mom used to sarcastically ask, ‘Do you want to be Jay Chou?’ Well, Mom, this is the closest I’ve ever gotten!” He expressed gratitude to the GMA organizers, his producer, and his entire team for their support in his musical journey.