Jack loves original Central music

By AILEEN KWARAGU
MOST people know Jack Talai through his songs which he composes himself.
Some also know him as a successful company executive, the general manager of Pacific International (PNG) Ltd.
Others see Jack not only as a musician but also a kind and loving person.
Jack, 57, hails from Manumanu village in the Hiri district of Central. He is the second eldest of nine siblings.
His parents were villagers so his upbringing was typically that of a simple and poor village boy.
He is married to Bemu Talai. They have six children, two of whom are adopted.
His interest in singing began during his school days. It has been part of his life all along.
“I was inspired to sing because in the old days, musicians in my village composed songs based on life situations, on what they have experienced and been through.
“I love music. So when I was still in school, my friends and I formed a band to take part in a competition. That was how I began singing.”
Jack is the lead singer of a band in Central called JT & the Siule Hoods. The name mainly reflects how he was brought up. The band is made up of his siblings and friends.
“I had a cousin who passed away many years ago. I would not have come this far if it was not for him.”
His late cousin Heni Oala played a big part in his life especially in school and in supporting him with his needs.

“ I was inspired to sing because in the old days, musicians in my village composed songs based on life situations and on what they have been through. I love music.”

Jack dedicated one of his songs called Tai Mase (I wept bitterly) to Oala.
In 1974, after completing his primary education at Manumanu Community School, Jack attended Iaro Wari High School from 1975 to 1978 completing Forms One to Four (now grades 7 to 10).
After high school, he got his first job with the Internal Revenue Commission working in the accession division.
He upgraded his marks to Grade 12 through the College of Distance Education while working.
In the 1980s, Jack travelled to Sydney in Australia to study international travel consultancy work.
He returned to Port Moresby and worked as a travel adviser with Dove Travel, a Catholic church-owned travel agency.
“I really enjoyed my job as a travel adviser because I made connections with a lot of elite people.”
Jack shifted to Lae to work for Westpac Travel.
In 1989, he returned to Port Moresby to work with the Pacific International (PNG) Limited, a Japanese company.
He is its general manager today. Through that company, he has travelled to Asian countries and New Zealand.
“When I joined Pacific International, I was privileged to visit a couple of countries especially in Asia.”
Jack is therefore a very busy man but still has time for music. He makes sure the band is organised and always ready for gigs.
“Most of the songs we play are traditionally inspired and are original and performed based on my Central people.”
His advice to musicians is to go back to the traditional style of singing.
“With technology and western influence, music is changing. But I advise young people to stick to the original – the traditional style of music.”
Jack knows nothing can beat its appeal and sound.