Telek – Kambek (I Lilikun Mulai) (Wantok Musik, 2022)
Telek, one of the leading artists from Papua New Guinea, presents Kambek (I Lilikun Mulai). The title of the album includes the languages Tok Pisin and Kuanua, referencing Telek’s recent recovery from a long fought battle with mouth cancer.
Kambek (I Lilikun Mulai) is Telek’s first album recorded in his home base of Rabaul in northeastern Papua New Guinea, since the volcano Tavurvur destroyed the town (including its recording studios) back in 1994. For this album, Telek reunited with his former bandmates from Papua New Guinea’s biggest rock group of the 1980s, Painim Wok.
Album opener, Noken Paitim Meri (English translation: No violence against your woman) is a powerful ballad, where Telek speaks directly to other Papua New Guinean men that domestic violence is abhorrent and acceptable under no circumstances. The vocal is yearning and heartfelt, the chorus epic.
On Gadin Kaikai, Telek joins up with his long-time associates the Moab Stringband, another song of advocacy that extols the virtues of a village based garden diet.
Giraun Em I Laif, a contemporary island reggae tune, underscores the message that your customary land is your livelihood.
Ramkuk is a traditional Gunantuna song performed in stringband style about the power a magical spirit bird has over you.
Lus Lo Solwara is dedicated to the families and friends of the East New Britain Province officials who lost their lives in the boat disaster at Wide Bay Pomio.
Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.