Kambek (I Lilikun Mulai)

George Mamua Telek MBE has long been a music legend in Papua New Guinea. His fame stems from his time with 80s Tolai rock band Painim Wok, his integral role with acoustic village-based Moab Stringband, 90’s Tabaran collaboration with Aussie band Not Drowning, Waving, and his own string of acclaimed solo albums. But, after being diagnosed with mouth cancer in 2018, the last few years have been challenging. Thankfully, following surgery and an extended recovery period, his voice is again in great shape, evidenced by this new release. Boasting the pidgin English title Kambek, it is indeed a welcome comeback for this Melanesian master.

Varying in its moods, there are Telek’s trademark upbeat string band-style songs like ‘Ramkuk’ and ‘Gadin Kaikai’, along with the serene ambience of more atmospheric tracks (‘Avutung’ and ‘Alili’), and even a rock reunion with his old Painim Wok mates (‘Best Talaigu’). Then there’s the powerfully poignant single ‘Noken Paitim Meri’, which addresses an important social issue, imploring PNG men to help curb the alarmingly high rate of domestic violence in the Pacific region. Warmly produced by longtime collaborator David Bridie and McLaren Vengiau, it’s wonderful to have Telek back in such fine form.