In memory of Paul Fuemana
Monday, 1 February 2010
APRA wish to extend their condolences to the Fuemana family for the sad loss of Pauly Fuemana, who passed away on January 31, aged 40.
The story of Pauly Fuemana and OMC – the Otara Millionaires Club – needs to be remembered as one of the great success stories of New Zealand music.
Pauly, received numerous APRA awards, including being a finalist for the APRA Silver Scroll Award in 1994 for “We R OMC” (co-written with Phil Fuemana) and 1996 for “How Bizarre” (co-written with Alan Jansson). In 1996 “How Bizarre” also won both the Most Performed Work in New Zealand Award and Most Performed Work Overseas Award, a feat only achieved by “Weather With You” (Neil & Tim Finn) in recent history. “How Bizarre” continued to receive the Most Performed Work Award from 1997 through to 1999, finally passing over the mantle to Neil Finn’s “Don’t Dream It’s Over”.
The chart success of “How Bizarre” was unsurpassed. After achieving number one on the NZ and Australian charts, “How Bizarre” went to number one in eight countries around the world, and top ten in fifteen others – a phenomenal achievement. The song become the most played on United States radio stations for 1997. By 2003, the song was acknowledged for being played over a million times in the United States, joining a very select group of songs to win the ‘BMI Million-Air Award’.
"With OMC Pauly inspired a generation of young, Maori and Pacific songwriters. He showed that a unique brand of Pacific hip hop could conquer the world. It was a remarkable achievement." says APRA's Director of NZ Operations, Ant Healey.
“When “How Bizarre” took off overseas, we were all so proud of him and amazed to see how our music was accepted and loved by the world. No-one realised how significant this success would be. Pauly showed that it was possible for dreams to come true. He’s left us with music, songs and a catch-phrase that will never be forgotten. Most of all we remember him, the man, the father, the brother and friend” says Petrina George, Manager-Member Services APRA.
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