Lu Shih-hsuan named Golden Melody Awards best male Mandarin singer

Taipei, June 28 (CNA) Rapper Lu Shih-hsuan (呂士軒) was named best male Mandarin singer at the Golden Melody Awards (GMA) on Saturday.

Lu, better known by his stage name Trout Fresh, was nominated in the high-profile category for his third album, "Good Sound with Attitudes" (好聲豪氣), which earned a total of four nominations.

In a January interview, Lu said the album was inspired by a friend who died suddenly after surgery.

Lu said he wanted the album to convey a positive message, inspired by the kindness and generosity his late friend had shown him and others -- an influence that left a lasting impact on his life.

The 36-year-old Lu burst onto Taiwan's music scene with his 2017 debut album Mistaken into the Way (誤入奇途), which went on to win Best Hip-Hop Album and Best Hip-Hop Single at the 2018 Golden Indie Music Awards.

"My mom used to sarcastically ask, 'Do you want to be Jay Chou (周杰倫)?'" Lu said in his acceptance speech. "Well, Mom, this is the closest I've ever gotten!"

He thanked the GMA organizers, his producer and his entire team.