One and Only

Pauly Fuemana, the man behind the 1995 hit single ‘How Bizarre’, has died, aged 40. Frontman of the band OMC (Otara Millionaires Club), Fuemana’s debut album How Bizarre and its breezy title track topped the charts in New Zealand, Sweden, Canada, Austria, Ireland, and Australia. ‘How Bizarre’ topped the United States airplay charts and was No2 on the Billboard Top 100. It peaked at No.5 in Britain. Fuemana grew up in Otara, Manukau City. “Otara was a gang haven, very poor,” the singer once said. “They call it the chopping center, because it was one of those places where if you couldn’t survive, then you’re going to get hurt.” Fuemena himself spent time in a youth prison. After his release, he joined a rap-loving musical group, the ironically named Otara Millionaires Club. The group fell apart, but Fuemena kept the name for himself and released How Bizarre under the moniker of OMC. Kirk Harding, of hip-hop label MTC, said Fuemana would never be forgotten. “Pauly put South Auckland on the global stage.” “Rest in peace, the one and only Pauly Fuemana,” wrote rapper P-Money on his Twitter page.

Pauly Fuemana: 8 February 1969 – 31 January 2010