Avant-garde rock and traditional Papuan music fuse in this landmark piece of world music. Traversing borders and genres, 'Tabaran' is the innovative title track of the 1990 album from Melbourne band Not Drowning, Waving and the musicians of port city Rabaul, featuring singer George Telek Mamua MBE.

Sung in Kuanua and Tok Pisin, the recording centres Telek’s voice and the three-part harmonies characteristic of Tolai traditions, melded with the stylings of modern pop-rock. The joys of community are revealed through an interplay between Papua New Guinea’s rich history and dynamic contemporary arrangements.

The collaboration reflects a novel approach grounded in listening and exchange, preserving language and musical practice while supporting wider circulation.

Nominated for the ARIA Award for Best Indigenous Release in 1992, 'Tabaran' documents a significant moment of cross-cultural musical collaboration in the Asia-Pacific.