Kaohsiung’s annual DaGangPop music festival reached a fever pitch this weekend, not just with the return of beloved Taiwanese singer Xie Jin Yan, but with a surprise appearance from her father, Pig Brother (Zhu Ge Liang), a comedian and television personality long presumed retired from public life. The unexpected reunion, punctuated by Xie Jin Yan’s playful declaration that “Pig Brother is not dead!”, sent fans into a frenzy and quickly became the defining moment of the festival’s 20th anniversary celebration.
The DaGangPop festival, a cornerstone of Taiwan’s music scene, has evolved from a local event to a major draw for both domestic and international artists. This year’s lineup boasted over 100 acts, attracting more than 10,000 attendees to the Bopiliao Historical Block, according to reports from PChome Online. The festival’s significance extends beyond music, serving as a cultural touchstone for the city and a platform for local artists and community engagement.
A Daughter’s Return and a Father’s Surprise
Xie Jin Yan, often referred to as the “First Generation Goddess of DaGangPop,” hadn’t performed at the festival in years, making her return highly anticipated. Her performance was already generating buzz, but it was the mid-set arrival of her father that truly electrified the crowd. Zhu Ge Liang, whose real name is Tu Hsiao-feng, has largely remained out of the public eye since health issues forced his retirement from television in 2016. Reports from Yahoo News Taiwan detail that Zhu Ge Liang playfully “stripped” – removing layers of clothing – during the performance, adding to the lighthearted and celebratory atmosphere.
The moment was particularly poignant given the often-turbulent relationship between the father and daughter, which was frequently played out in the Taiwanese media. While details of their personal lives have often been subject to speculation, their onstage interaction appeared genuinely joyful and marked a significant moment of reconciliation for the public to witness. Xie Jin Yan’s playful shout of “Pig Brother is not dead!” was a clear reference to the rumors surrounding her father’s health and a celebration of his continued presence in her life.
DaGangPop’s 20th Anniversary: A Celebration of Taiwanese Music
This year’s DaGangPop festival wasn’t solely about the Xie Jin Yan and Zhu Ge Liang reunion. The event marked a significant milestone – its 20th anniversary – and showcased a diverse range of musical talent. The festival’s organizers intentionally curated a lineup that blended established artists with emerging voices, reflecting the evolving landscape of Taiwanese music. Newtalk News reported that the festival featured over 100 domestic and international acts, spanning various genres from pop and rock to electronic and hip-hop.
The festival also incorporated elements of local culture and community engagement. A pre-festival event, “You Xian Da Stage,” featured performances by community groups, including a choir of local mothers, highlighting the festival’s commitment to inclusivity and its roots in the Salt埕 district of Kaohsiung. This event, spearheaded by local musician Lin Qiang, aimed to create a sense of ownership and pride among residents, further solidifying DaGangPop’s position as a cultural institution.
Beyond the Reunion: Looking Ahead
The DaGangPop festival’s success extends beyond individual performances. The event serves as a significant economic driver for Kaohsiung, attracting tourists and boosting local businesses. The festival’s organizers are already looking ahead to future events, with plans to continue expanding the lineup and enhancing the overall festival experience. Notably, the popular band Sodagreen (滅火器) kicked off the festival with a high-energy performance and announced their first-ever dome concert on July 18th, further cementing their status as a leading force in Taiwanese music, as reported by The News Lens.
The surprise appearance of Zhu Ge Liang and the heartwarming reunion with his daughter have undoubtedly elevated this year’s DaGangPop festival to iconic status. The event served as a powerful reminder of the enduring appeal of Taiwanese music and the importance of family and community. Organizers have not yet announced details for next year’s festival, but fans can expect further updates on the official DaGangPop website in the coming months.
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