Pauly Fuemana farewelled by mourners

A mourner at Pauly Fuemana's memorial service in Otara yesterday. Photo / Greg Bowker

Kiwi music legend Pauly Fuemana was taken to Waikumete Cemetery after more than 200 mourners filled Auckland's Pacific Island Presbyterian church to say their final farewells.

Fuemana, whose single How Bizarre topped musical charts worldwide to become New Zealand's biggest global hit, died on Sunday morning after a short illness.

"It's the passing of a young legend. He totally broke the glass ceiling for all these Pacific musicians," said Manukau City mayor Len Brown, who knew Fuemana since early in his career.

Fuemana recorded How Bizarre under the name OMC, which stands for Otara Millionaires Club. It was picked when Fuemana and a group of musicians in Otara, south Auckland, had had little but aspired for greatness.

"I loved the name, OMC. It showed honour, arrogance and audacity," Mr Brown said. "No surprise that he made it, but the way he made it was unbelievable."

Oscar Kightley and Dawn Raid's Brother D were also among the crowd at the funeral.

A eulogy was given by Fuemana's sister Christina, who said Fuemana had always put family first.

"His dreams were bigger than Auckland city; he wanted the world. [But] he valued family more than success itself."

Family members gathered on stage to sing to Fuemana, and Christina followed with a song of her own.

"If I could have one wish, it would be to see you again. If I could have one song, it would be to sing with you ... If I could have one last chance I would ask my brother to dance," she sang.