MATTHEW Sablan, known professionally as “Sabyu,” is representing the Northern Mariana Islands in the first ever American Song Contest on NBC.
Based on the Eurovision Song Contest, the biggest music competition in the world with a 65-year history and 200 million viewers per year, the American Song Contest features live performances of original songs representing all 50 states, five U.S. territories, and Washington, D.C.
Each original song competes in a live televised event series to win the country’s vote for the Best Original Song.
The American Song Contest, hosted by Snoop Dogg and Kelly Clarkson, scoured the nation looking for “artists who own the stage and captivate an audience with original music.”
From indie to pop, bands to disc jockeys, rappers to singer-songwriters, signed or independent artists, the American Song Contest showcases a diverse array of artists in all genres from across the nation.
The contest is now in its third week of performances, with Saipan storyteller, singer-songwriter, musician, mentor, producer, and performer Sabyu taking the stage, among other competitors.
“I’m super proud and super excited to be representing all of the people back home. I’m going to do you guys proud… I’m looking forward to all of the exciting events happening soon,” Sabyu said in a self-shot video he recently posted on his Facebook page.
He began learning to play the guitar at the age of 12 and eventually picked up other instruments, including the ukulele, bass guitar, drums, cajon, and piano.
Currently based in Olympia, Washington, Sabyu draws inspiration for his songs from the Pacific Islands. He aims to spread love and positivity to everyone who tunes in to his music.
Sabyu will be releasing his new song, “Sunsets & Sea Turtles” on the national competition, live, Tuesday, April 5, at 7 p.m. Chamorro Standard Time.
Voting starts via nbc.com, the NBC app, and the TikTok app.
For more information on Sabyu’s music, visit sabyu.com
Matthew “Sabyu” Sablan
