George Telek Fundraiser

Saturday 9 June 2018

Much loved Papua New Guinean musician, George Telek, has been diagnosed with mouth cancer and is in Brisbane awaiting treatment. Without this, he will never be able to sing again.

Wantok Musik is calling out for much needed donations to help George cover medical costs.

George has been at the forefront of the Pacific music scene for the last 40 years. Whilst continuing to live in his village of Raluana, near Rabaul, Papua New Guinea, Telek and his distinctive voice have been acclaimed by some of the biggest names in music on the planet. George makes fresh strong and contemporary music whilst drawing heavily on his Tolais (the people of Rabaul) customs.

George has been diagnosed with a malignant and aggressive tumour on his mouth, and is about to undergo intensive surgery to remove the cancer at Royal Brisbane Hospital. The surgery will involve removing the cancerous growth, removing lymph glands in his neck and then reconstruction of his mouth. Due to the nature of the cancer it will also involve radiation therapy to remove any remaining cancerous areas.

Because George is not an Australian citizen, these medical procedures will be expensive. Although internationally renowned, George is still a grassroots musician who does not have the funds needed to pay for this expensive treatment.

This campaign needs to raise $60,000 to cover costs of surgery, radiation therapy, reconstruction of the mouth and speech pathology costs.

George will also not be able to perform for up to six months so any money remaining will go towards supporting George and his family while he is unable to earn an income.

Please click here to donate and share to anyone else who would be able to contribute.

To help raise the funds for treatment MEMO will be hosting a special benefit on Saturday June 9th which will feature NOT DROWNING WAVING and THE UNDERGROUND LOVERS. The evening will also feature Taipan Tiger Girls (Ollie Olsen), Pius Wasi, Emmanuel Hakalitz (PNG), The Black Orchid Stringband (West Papua), Charles Maimarosia (Solomon Islands), Mystic Trio (Timor Leste) and other special guests. Tickets available here.