Johnny Sablan has been appointed as president of the Department of Chamorro Affairs (DCA). Best known for pioneering Chamorro music on Guam, Johnny Sablan is considered by many a vibrant and visible cultural figure in the island community.
“For the past five decades, Johnny Sablan has established himself as one of Guam’s premier cultural icons. Our administration believes his intense passion for Chamorro arts and humanities will serve as a strong foundation to lead the Department of Chamorro Affairs,” the Governor stated.
As a singer and song writer, Sablan is most well known for local music hits such as “Nobia Nene,” “Tippi Tippi Tan,” and “Hafa Adai Todu Maolek How Are You.” His involvement with promoting Guam’s musical arts includes trips to Vietnam to perform for Guam’s soldiers during the war, cultivating the careers of other Chamorro music artists, and serving as performer, musical director and head of the delegation for Guam’s past participation in the Festival of Pacific Arts. Sablan also served as an executive director for the Guam Council on the Arts and Humanities Agency in the 1990s.
As president of the DCA, Sablan will once again oversee the Guam Council on the Arts and Humanities, the Guam Museum, the Public Library and the Hagåtña Restoration and Redevelopment Authority.
“Following the amazing 12th Festival of Pacific Arts, the work continues to revitalize Hagatna as the center of our government but also as a hub of cultural activity on the island,” Lt. Governor Ray Tenorio said. “Our administration has every confidence in Sablan. We know he and his team will do a remarkable job in developing and promoting our island’s culture.”
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