Today, PNG Haus Bung sat down with living legend Sir George Telek after his return from a collaborative project in Australia.
Reflecting on his journey, he recalled his time with the famous Painim Wok band, a period that saw create 18 records with Pacific Gold Studios in Rabaul. He also spoke on his solo career, which eventually led him to join an Australian band. His musical journey remains highly active today, as he regularly travels between PNG and Australia to work on projects with fellow artists.
The conversation naturally turned to the evolving industry, with Sir George sharing his perspectives on the rise of artificial intelligence in music. Although he initially resisted the idea, he now acknowledges that AI is here to stay and that artists may soon have no choice but to embrace it, stating, “Mipla ino laikim but mipla hat lo halpim lo disla.”
He recently raised these concerns at the Sydney Opera House, where he holds a membership, recalling the consensus there, “Ol i tok em bai hat lo stopim. Displa samting, nogat man bai stopim so mipla stap tasol olsem.”
Looking ahead, he noted that integrating technology might simply become the new norm for artists, adding, “Or mipla rekod lo AI i orait tu. Ol waitman tu i poret long displa, so ating bai yumi go wantem tasol.”
Turning his attention to the next generation, Sir George expressed high praise for fellow singer-songwriter and visual artist Ngaiire (Ngaiire Joseph) and her new community-driven initiative, the Musik Blok in Goroka.
The music school connects emerging local talent with top musicians and producers from Australia and PNG, providing them with the skills and tools needed to produce professional, release-ready tracks. Crucially, the initiative encourages these young artists to keep and weave their own unique Papua New Guinean cultural sounds into their modern creations.
Sharing a quick update on his personal life, Sir George mentioned that he is currently enjoying a slower pace at his home in East New Britain. He spends his days managing his cocoa plot and enjoying quality time with his family and grandchildren. Nevertheless, his dedication to his craft remains strong, and he continues to jump at the chance to travel whenever duty and music call.
