Pauly Fuemana's funeral today

Tony Fuemana (right) pays tribute to his brother Pauley (inset left) during the memorial service. Photo / Greg Bowker

Tony Fuemana paid tribute to his brother Pauly during a memorial service last night at the Otara Music Arts Centre.

Pauly Fuemana, best known for his work with the group OMC and the hit 1995 single How Bizarre, died early on Sunday morning at North Shore Hospital after a short illness.

More than 250 family members, friends, musicians and fans filled the centre for the service, which included songs and remembrances. Mourners included artists from the Dawn Raid record label, rapper Dei Hamo and Manukau City Mayor Len Brown.

Fuemana's coffin arrived to the sound of a conch shell and was driven up a driveway lined with Maori and Samoan wardens.

His family came with mementoes, among them a guitar, framed records, pictures of the artist and flowers.

Nathan Haines performed Amazing Grace in honour of the man he called "his brother". The pair met in the 1990s and toured the world to promote Fuemana's 1996 hit album How Bizarre.

The funeral is set for 11am today, at the Pacific Islands Church in central Auckland, and Fuemana will be buried at Waikumete Cemetery in Kelston.