A-mei’s husky vocals are a mainstay of contemporary Mandopop, inspiring diversity and creativity since her emergence in 1996. The Taiwanese singer/producer’s debut album 姊妹 (Sisters) showcases her knack for winsome, evergreen tunes, but it’s her desire to speak out on behalf of the underdog and the meaningful (and sometimes quirky) ways in which she does so that has cemented her legacy as a queen of Mandopop. Whether championing the Aboriginal community, the LGBTQ+ community or independent Taiwanese artists, a-mei has been instrumental in diversifying and nurturing the Mandarin music scene.