Johnny Sablan

Johnny Sablan (born 1948) is a Chamorro musician from Guam, known for recording the first commercial Chamorro album which established a musical identity for the island. Sablan briefly recorded music and toured in California as a teenager before returning to Guam to release the "Dalai Nene," which marked the beginning of his Chamorro language music career.

Early life Johnny Sablan's musical career began in March 1957, when his uncle, Ton Sablan, better known as "Lightning", recruited him to entertain patients at the old Guam Memorial Hospital. At a young age, Sablan was appreciated as a performer in his community.

After graduating High School, Sablan returned to California to study medicine and became part of his college's International Club where he took part in organizing the dance and song presentation for many cultures. However, when one of his peers asked Sablan if he could organize entertainments native to Guam, Sablan realized he was not in touch with his Guamanian identity. Sablan's work came during a period of rising cultural nationalism, influenced by the American civil rights movement and global decolonization efforts.

During his 1971 Christmas to Vietnam, Sablan performed new songs from his then upcoming album Hafa Adai Todo Maoleg (Hello, All is Well).

In March 1971, Sablan released the album Hafa Adai Todo Maoleg. It features the title tracks which became a hit song in other Mariana islands including Saipan and has become a frequent dance song in Chamorro events. The album includes 10 English songs and Chamorro songs.

1995: Kantan Christmas Collection (Kantan Nobena Yan Minagof) In 1995, Sablan released his Christmas album, Kantan Christmas Collection (Kantan Nobena Yan Minagof) (Songs of Christmas [Songs of Novena and Happiness]).

Career after music In 1985, 1996, 2004, and 2016, Sablan contributed in representing Guam in the Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture as either performer, musical director, performing arts director, task force member, or head of delegation.

In 2011, at the Island Music Awards, Sablan performed "Hafa Adai" and received the Island Icon Award.

In 2016, Sablan was appointed as the President of the Department of Chamorro Affairs where he oversees the Guam Council on Arts and Humanities, the Guam Museum, the Public Library, and the Hagatna Restoration and Redevelopment Authority.

Discography Singles

Big Fat Lie B side: Will She Agree to Go Steady with Me (1965) Imitation Heart B side: I Know. (1965) I Don't Want to Miss You. B side: Agat Town (1965) Feliz Navidad (1975)

Albums

Dalai Nene (1969) My Marianas (1969) Chamorro Yu''' (1969) Hafa Adai Todu Maoleg (1969) My Chamorrans (1970) Kantan Christmas Collection (Kantan Nobena Yan Minagof)'' (1995)