International tributes are being paid for the late singer Pauly Fuemana.
Fuemana, the voice behind hit song How Bizarre, died in hospital on Sunday morning surrounded by his wife and five children.
He was 40.
Fuemana was the lead singer for OMC (the Otara Millionaires Club), which shot to fame with How Bizarre in 1995. The hit reached number one in New Zealand, Australia, Canada, and parts of Europe.
Between three and four million copies of OMC's How Bizarre album sold, making it New Zealand's biggest-selling record. It also topped the United States airplay charts and peaked at number five in Britain.
The song made millions but Fuemana was judged bankrupt in 2006.
The band broke up in 2000 before reforming in 2007 and releasing a single 4 All of Us, featuring actor Lucy Lawless.
Tony Fuemana says his brother had given the world "a taste of what our style of music is".
Long-time friend Herman Loto Sakaria says Fuemana's death will be a huge shock to the music industry.
Tributes are also being paid by fans on websites.
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Post new commentTOANIUE said on 2010-02-05 @ 21:31 NZDT: Report abusive post
KIA FAKALATAHA MAU E ATUA MO KOE!!! MONUINA E FENOGA HAU MA PAULY A TO LIU KE FELEVEIA KI MUA HE HA TAUTOLU A IKI KO IESU..
mikeymike68 said on 2010-02-02 @ 00:23 NZDT: Report abusive post
just wanted to pass on condolences to Whanau and friends and can remember how buzzed I was when I heard How Bizarre being used in a couple of movies I was watching! I thought to myself "WoW" thats a song from a kiwi Artist awesome!! NZ music is on the map..yahoo Anyway played a tribute tonight at work for Pauly...Thanks for the buzz!
malthusianperil said on 2010-02-01 @ 22:01 NZDT: Report abusive post
Fun music that grew into beautiful art - talent growing with age. Very sad.
mooloo said on 2010-01-31 @ 17:16 NZDT: Report abusive post
love the music great summer of 95 with your brother phil with love rest in piece pauly godbless
AlyC said on 2010-01-31 @ 14:26 NZDT: Report abusive post
Condolenses to the Fuemana family, how very sad and far to young to leave. Still the most Successful NZ produced album of all time .. That legacy will live on for many years to come Arohanui - Aly Cook