Spinner

OMC Singer Pauly Fuemana Dies at 40

Pauly Fuemana, OMCPauly Fuemana, the singer of New Zealand's biggest-selling single of all time, 'How Bizarre,' has died at age 40. The Auckland-based singer, who performed in the '90s group Otara Milionaires Club, then as a duo under the moniker OMC, had been suffering from an illness for several months, according to WENN, and was surrounded by friends and family when he passed away.

The Polynesian Fuemana, who was half-Nuiean and half-Maori, first performed in a group as Otara Millionaires Club, named after a suburb of Auckland known for gang activity. Otara Millionaires Club perpetuated the gang image of the neighborhood, often riling up their audience by "brandishing machetes" and throwing bottles.

Fuemana ended up parting ways with the band, but kept the name OMC as his own and, with songwriting partner and producer Alan Jansson, co-wrote 1995's 'How Bizarre,' a catchy, upbeat song laden with euphemistic references to his life in Otara. 'How Bizarre' reached number one in New Zealand and seven other countries, and was on the Billboard Hot 100 Airplay chart at number four for 36 weeks (it wasn't officially released as a single in the U.S.) Fuemana then released an album of the same name on Polygram. Second single 'Right On' went platinum in New Zealand.

Fuemana raked in financial success, selling approximately four million records, but was unable to reproduce the same success in the 2000s, and declared bankruptcy in 2006. He was forced to give up his house and royalties. He took up with Jansson again in 2007 for the single '4 All Of Us,' which featured New Zealand actress Lucy Lawless, but otherwise remained largely out of the spotlight.

OMC on AOL Music

All the AOL Music info you want to know

Ozzy Osbourne: Tony Iommi Is 'Gonna…

Noisecreep

Bryan Bedder, Getty Images The contract drama involving drummer Bill Ward…

Danny Gokey Wedding Video: 'American…

The Boot

YouTube Danny Gokey has been notoriously accessible to his fans since…

Dierks Bentley, 'Live on Letterman'…

The Boot

Ethan Miller, Getty Images Country takes over the city, as Dierks Bentley is…

See all AOL Music »

Add a Comment

Sign in »
*0 / 3000 Character Maximum

16 Comments

Filter by:
Gio

That song was a part of my foundation, that song helped me get through my Elementary to highschool years, when i'd listen to it, "how bizarre", i would reminisce and think about the good times, about how good that song made me feel... I'm sorry to hear that Pauly Fuemana has passed away... I hope my condolences reach those who cared and loved him... rest in peace pauly, you will be sorely missed...

February 21 2010 at 9:24 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
karl

that's sad to hear of Pauly's passing, all my condolences to his family.... Great song, but even better great album, i lost my album and tried to replace it recently but to no avail....

February 10 2010 at 3:28 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
joan

that is so sad to lose went they are so young, i feel sorry for his family god bless rest in peace

February 02 2010 at 2:52 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Missy

THIS SONG WAS AN AWESOME HIT AND ANYONE SAYING DIFFERENTLY OR BEING MEAN ABOUT HIS DEATH CAN SERIOUSLY ROTTEN IN DOUBLE HOCKEY STICKS

IS THAT VANILLA ENOUGH FOR AOL

February 02 2010 at 1:54 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Matholomew

I HATED that song he made, but it sucks that he's dead at 40. I don't think he deserved to die over it; we've all done some pretty lame things. Rest in peace.

February 02 2010 at 1:52 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Kare

Jackie Butler--
I believe Fuemana *can* hear or read you.
Lovely memory you described and a lovely good-bye to someone whose music you loved!:-)

February 02 2010 at 1:16 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Kare

to RIPTIDE--

Hear hear!
good for you--I completely agree.

February 02 2010 at 1:12 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Kare

I didn't know him, nor his music.I'm sorry to hear of his passing and my condolences to his family, and friends.

And you few jackasses like Matt here who have to say mean things--when it is you or your family member who dies or suffers you will be raving in rage if someone was so ignorant--but will you remember being a rude jackass yourself? Probably not!

February 02 2010 at 1:08 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Scott

Thats too bad. What a cool song, so happy. He was way too young. Maybe the fact that he never had another hit just killed him.

February 02 2010 at 1:07 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Jackie Butler

Swear my hand just listened to this song not an hour ago. Brought back memories of traveling across the country and dipping into that place in Texas where you don't see a car for days. Loved the song, loved driving on that one highway with the top down and waving a sombrero to the beat as we cruised into the sun. Dude-I am so very sorry you died. I know you can't hear/read me but thank you so much. You were amazing! RIP

February 02 2010 at 12:07 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply