| Description |
George Mamua Telek has been in the forefront of Papua New Guinea, Melanesia and Pacific music scene for over 40 years . Telek is a man, a band and, in some parts of the world a legend.
His albums and recordings are produced in local PNG and international studios and involved with touring Oceania and the world.
George Mamua Telek's songs and his hauntingly beautiful voice, traverse many musical styles capturing the spirit of the Tolai people of Papua New Guinea. Blending contemporary grooves with Melanesian rhythms, the music is enriched with island harmonies and textured environmental sounds.
His international accomplishments include an MBE for services to the music industry in home country PNG, ARIA awards in Australia, praise from the likes of David Byrne, Yossou N'Dour and Peter Gabriel.
Quoted from Bandcamp about George Telek.
"George Mamua Telek, or Telek as he is known to his legion of fans throughout the world, has long been at the forefront of the PNG music scene. Whether it is through his work with the village-based Moab Stringband, legendary 80’s rock band Painim Wok, his various collaborations, or critically acclaimed solo output, George Telek is one of the most important performers in the Pacific region. George Telek's songs and his hauntingly beautiful voice traverse many musical styles capturing the spirit of the Tolai people of Papua New Guinea. Blending contemporary grooves with Melanesian rhythms, the music is enriched with island harmonies and textured environmental sounds.
Telek’s vibrant career over the last four decades has included receiving an ARIA Award, being awarded an MBE for services to the development of music culture and industry in PNG, releasing music on Peter Gabriel’s Real World record label in the UK, collaborations with Archie Roach, Kev Carmody and David Bridie, and praise from renowned publications such as Rolling Stone, The Times (UK) and Billboard USA".
What people have said about Telek and his music.
“One phenomenal song follows another...Telek's voice on its own is a thing of rare beauty...a magical album”. – The Times (UK)
“One of the coolest things about world music is that your next big surprise can come from any little corner of the planet. ‘Serious Tam’ is a perfect example” – Billboard
“A finely wrought synthesis of the world and pop-rock genres” - LA Times
“This indigenous music will stir you with its timeless beauty” - New York Post
“Atmospheric… jungle sounds and pulsating drumbeat…brooding rock” - The Age
“This is a refreshing mix of hip western sounds and the uplifting harmonious voices of a people proud of their culture” - Audiostreet.co.uk
“Whether in sparse semi-acoustic settings, chanting over pounding and complex percussion, or telling stories in fields of ambience, Telek is utterly compelling” - Rolling Stone
“It is a crime that world music fans in Australia have ignored the music of our immediate area. This marvelous record should go a long way to putting Papua New Guinea on the international music map” - Sydney Morning Herald
“Telek's voice alone mesmerizes and seduces. This provocative singer with the "magic" for writing songs has produced one of the most remarkable pairings of "world" music made this year.” Billboard
“If you like to buy the occasional world music CD to play in the background, TELEK will cause you serious problems. Within seconds you’ll be going to the stereo to turn it up as one phenomenal song follows another. This is the pop album of the year.” - Sunday Times (UK)
Source: Wantok Musik Foundation and Bandcamp.
(David Bridie & Steven Gagau, April 2025) |
