George Telek : PNG Music needs to promote PNG Culture

Papua New Guinean Musicians and Artist should promote PNG culture and tradition through their music in order to be recognized in the world market.

PNG Music legend and Member of the British Empire (MBE) George Telek visited the Journalism and Public Relations strand of University of Papua New Guinea and gave an insight of his experiences in his music career.

Telek said it is true that many people today in the country prefer western style music and thus contributes to the dying taste of our traditional music which involves using our traditional musical instrument.

“We should be proud of our cultural heritage that we are blessed with which no other country in the world is provided to have. We are unique and our music should resemble that. When I am performing over ease, I wear my red lap lap and play my string band. I am always proud when I am out in another country performing my songs because I know I am representing PNG.” Said Telek

Telek said with the current threat of Music Piracy and Intellectual Property issues in the music industry, local artists are struggling to make ends meet.

“It is like we only sell our songs to two people and the eight others are getting it off through other means. Although the advancement in technology has provided musicians today to keep up with the audience demand, musicians must keep in mind of the current issues faced in PNG Music Industry,”  Explained Telek.

Telek also expressed disappointment that Local Artist apart from the music industry have not been given much support from the national government for so many years.

A disappointed Telek said activities that promote PNG culture and National Unity should involve celebrating with PNG Music and not with international music.

“We are struggling here trying to make ends meet but millionaire bands from overseas are coming in to our country and getting attention that we PNG Artists deserve to get,” Added Telek.

Nevertheless, Telek said he is more than happy to promote PNG music and only death would stop him.

He also added that his working closely with the West Papuan Campaign which he hopes his music would send a sound of change to the whole issue of West Papua not only in PNG and neighboring countries but and the world as well.