George Telek Mamua, known as Telek, was born in 1959 in Barovon village near Kokopo, East New Britain Province, Papua New Guinea. He is a contemporary Papua New Guinean vocalist who sings in his native language Kuanua and Tok Pisin. Early in his career, Telek sang with various bands in Papua New Guinea, most notably as the lead vocalist for the Tolai group Painim Wok. In 1989, he collaborated with David Bridie of the Australian band Not Drowning, Waving to record the album Tabaran, which was released in 1990. Telek's debut solo album, Telek, was released in 1997 and won the ARIA Award for Best World Music Album. His second studio album, Serious Tam, recorded at Peter Gabriel’s Real World Studios, was released in July 2000 and received critical acclaim. In December 2000, he was awarded an MBE for services to Papua New Guinea music.
