Tribute to Fuemana

South Aucklanders last night celebrated the life of Pauly Fuemana, the man who changed music in Manukau forever.

The singer passed away earlier this week after a short battle with pneumonia.

A community service was held last night at the Otara Music and Arts Centre near Fuemana's family home where the music video for How Bizarre was filmed.

Several musicians including Scribe performed at the service and mayor Len Brown addressed the large crowd.

Fuemana's funeral was to be held at 11am today at the Pacific Island Church in Newton.

He was to be buried at Waikumete cemetery in Glen Eden, near the plots of his parents and grandparents.

A spokeswoman for the Pacific Music Awards Trust says Mr Fuemana's international success was groundbreaking and legendary.

"His legacy is left within his music and includes the many awards he received as a songwriter and as an artist," she says.

"Pauly walked the dream of so many and will not be forgotten."

- © Fairfax NZ News