Brunei Darussalam
The Land of Unexpected Treasures
Asia's music industry is flourishing like never before, with major countries setting global trends and transforming the landscape of modern music. A recent report by OCTIVE, which ranks the Top 10 Best Asian Countries for the Music Industry, highlights the incredible diversity and growing influence of the region’s musical output. From the K-pop phenomenon to the surge in indie music scenes, Asia is becoming a force to be reckoned with in the global music world.
Leading the pack is Japan, which not only has the second-largest music market globally but also a rich history of blending traditional pop culture with modern innovation. Following closely behind is South Korea, home to the global K-pop wave, which has taken the world by storm, making South Korea synonymous with cutting-edge music production and global fan engagement.
China’s Expanding Music Market and India’s Bollywood Boom
In third place is China, with a massive domestic audience and an increasingly export-ready pop scene. Chinese artists are gradually gaining international recognition, while the country continues to play a crucial role in shaping the Asian music industry. Just behind China, India ranks fourth, buoyed by its Bollywood dominance. India’s music scene spans a wide range of languages and genres, with Bollywood soundtracks and regional music playing a huge role in the country’s cultural fabric.
India’s music is not just about film songs but also features a thriving indie scene, with artists making waves across South Asia. While Bollywood remains at the heart of India’s music industry, the country is rapidly embracing digital music platforms, allowing a new wave of indie talent to find a global audience.
Taiwan’s Mandopop Scene and Indonesia’s Indie Revolution
Taiwan ranks fifth, with its dominant role in the Mandopop genre. Taiwan’s contribution to the broader Chinese-speaking music world is immense, with Mandopop artists continuing to find success across Asia and beyond. Following Taiwan’s strong position is Indonesia, which has jumped to sixth place, becoming a key player in Southeast Asia’s music scene. Indonesia’s dynamic indie music culture, viral TikTok songs, and immense domestic market are propelling the country to international recognition.
Indonesian music is not just about mainstream pop; the country’s indie music scene has flourished in recent years, and with an expanding digital presence, Indonesian artists are starting to make waves internationally. The country's growing music festivals and the rise of local music on social media platforms have contributed to this booming industry.
Thailand, Malaysia, and the Philippines: Key Southeast Asian Players
Thailand and Malaysia come next, reflecting the growing prominence of music festivals and cross-border collaborations in Southeast Asia. Both countries have become hubs for music events, bringing together local talent and international artists, and serving as platforms for new musical experiments. These nations are increasingly fostering a vibrant music culture that celebrates both local and international influences, making them key players in the regional music industry.
Meanwhile, the Philippines, known for its rich vocal talent and robust cover culture, lands in ninth place. Filipinos are known for their exceptional vocal prowess, and many Filipino artists are now gaining international recognition through various platforms, especially YouTube. The Philippines continues to be a powerhouse of talent, with its strong tradition of music deeply embedded in its culture.
Hong Kong’s Historical Role in Mandopop
Finally, Hong Kong completes the list, holding a historic place in the Mandopop industry. While not as dominant as other countries on this list, Hong Kong's legacy as a Mandopop hub continues to resonate across the Chinese-speaking world, contributing significantly to the evolution of pop music in Asia. Its cultural influence remains evident through the enduring success of local and regional artists who have roots in the city.
Southeast Asia’s Growing Impact on Global Music
The report from OCTIVE reinforces the idea that Southeast Asia, while often overshadowed by larger players like Japan and South Korea, is carving out a unique and influential space in the music world. With Indonesia, Thailand, and the Philippines stepping up in terms of both production and consumption, the region is no longer just a passive listener in the global music scene. Southeast Asia is actively shaping the music industry with fresh, diverse sounds, proving that the future of music is not just about global superstars from the West—Asia has found its voice.
