How Bizarre: RIP Pauly Fuemana

Pauly Fuemana

Pauly Fuemana (February 8, 1969 - January 31, 2010) was a New Zealand singer, songwriter and musician. Fuemana was the lead singer of the music duo, OMC (Otara Millionaires Club) the full name of the band is a tongue-in-cheek reference to Otara's status as one of the poorest suburbs of Auckland. The band was best known internationally for the 1995 hit, "How Bizarre". The song, which was named Single of the Year at the 1996 New Zealand Music Awards, hit number one around the world, including Australia, Ireland and New Zealand.

Fuemana was born in Otara, New Zealand, on February 8, 1969. He was of half-Niuean and half-Māori descent. His father, Takiula, is originally from Mutalau, Niue, before immigrating to New Zealand.

Fuemana's musical duo, OMC, reached worldwide fame in 1995 with the single "How Bizarre", from their debut album of the same name. OMC, which consisted of Fuemana and Alan Jansson, broke up in 2000, but reformed in 2007.

Pauly Fuemana died following a short illness at North Shore Hospital, North Shore City, on January 31, 2010, shortly after 7:00 a.m. He was 40 years old.