Wan Squad hip hop dance crew arrived today at the Jackson’s International Airport to a crowd of excited fans and family.
Screaming fans from Gordon’s International School held up placards to welcome the international champions.
Beaming with joy, an overwhelmed little fan said “We are excited to welcome Wan Squad because they are the world champions of course.”
Another, with a little more sass said “they are WAN SQUAD of course!” indicating the group’s reach and influence among Generation Z (GenZ) and Generation Alpha (Gen Alpha).
Governor for NCD Powes Parkop who had to take his leave quickly because of the arrival of the newly elected Indonesian President, congratulated the boys in representing PNG well.
“This is an exceptional achievement for Papua New Guinea. It’s really good for young people in the country.”
In true Pacific culture where an individual’s achievement is for the whole family, tribe and community, the Tubusereia villagers turned up in traditional attire to welcome two of their sons OJay and AJay with the crew.
Kundu beats and traditional chants echoed at the airport as they danced in true Motuan spirit to welcome their boys home.
The traditional welcome home ceremony was completed with serving “rabia” (sago) to the whole crew.
The boys’ Aunt, Bonie Nanadai explained that the sago serving is a traditional “welcome home” ceremony for loved ones.
David Chee’s mother, Ila Vele who accompanied the crew to the United States of America, said she was a proud mother watching her boys perform among so many great dancers in the world and coming out champions.
“They won their heats and the semi-final and I knew in my heart they were going to win the grand final. When they won, I thanked the Lord as they had worked so hard with their training and they came first.”
Creative Director, Pyan Ng said the highlight of the whole competition was hearing the Papua New Guinea National Anthem played for the first time in the world of Hiphop dance challenge.
With immense support from Pacific Industries through the Mountain Dew brand, it has taken the crew six years to come to this stage.
Their advise to their fans and youths is to commit and never give up in pursuing a passion or dream.