Wellington, Jan 31 NZPA - Musician Pauly Fuemana, frontman for the band OMC, died this morning at North Shore Hospital following a short period of illness.

His family was expected to issue a statement later today.

In 1995 OMC (Otara Millionaires Club) shot to fame with the single How Bizarre which reached number one in New Zealand, Australia, Canada, and parts of Europe.

OMC moved between three and four million copies of their album, also titled How Bizarre, making it New Zealand's biggest-selling record.

The band broke up in 2000. They reformed in 2007 and released a single 4 All of Us, featuring actor Lucy Lawless.