New Zealand’s music community is in mourning following the sudden death of Fat Freddy’s Drop founding member Chris Ta’aloga Faiumu — better known to fans around the world as DJ Mu.

The celebrated musician, producer and driving force behind one of the country’s most beloved bands passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, his bandmates confirmed in a statement.

‘Our talismanic founding member, production maestro, selector and brother, Chris Faiumu, aka DJ Mu, has unexpectedly passed away,’ the band wrote on social media. ‘This is a seismic shift in our world.’

They added: ‘Tears flowed on receiving word that your journey had taken you to the heavens, Chris.

‘The star by which we navigated across the sea has gone and the crowns of flowers that adorned our heads are forever broken since you journeyed, Brother.’ 

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New Zealand’s music community is in mourning following the sudden death of Fat Freddy’s Drop founding member Chris Ta’aloga Faiumu — better known to fans around the world as DJ Mu

Faiumu was a founder and creative engine of the iconic NZ reggae band Fat Freddy’s Drop, who rose from late-night Wellington jam sessions in the early 2000s to become one of the country’s most successful musical exports. 

Over the past two decades, the band built a loyal international following, selling out venues across Europe and Australasia.

Four of the band’s albums reached number one at home, and two charted in the Australian top 20

Faiumu’s partner, Nicole Duckworth, managed the band as part of their fiercely independent operation.

His death has sent shockwaves through the global music scene, with tributes pouring in from artists around the world.

‘Mu… My heart is broken… you were so welcoming… Thank you and may you rest in beats!’ wrote hip-hop legend DJ Jazzy Jeff.

Australian singer Tay Oskee added: ‘This hits hard. Rest in peace legend.’

Known for his humble presence behind the decks, DJ Mu was often seen hunched over the machine as he laid down the infectious beats that became the bedrock of Fat Freddy’s signature sound.

The celebrated musician, producer and driving force behind one of the country’s most beloved bands passed away unexpectedly this week, his bandmates confirmed in a statement on Friday

Faiumu was a founder and creative engine of iconic NZ reggae band Fat Freddy’s Drop, who rose from late-night Wellington jam sessions in the early 2000s to become one of the country’s most successful musical exports

He produced a unique fusion of reggae, soul, dub, funk and electronica, deeply infused with his Pacific roots.

Born and raised in the Wellington suburb of Wainuiomata, Faiumu was the fifth child of Samoan immigrant parents. 

He attended Scots College, where his nickname ‘Mu’ was coined by classmates who found his surname hard to pronounce. 

It stuck, and would later become a name known in music circles around the world.

His path into music began at university, where he stumbled upon the campus radio station Radio Active and was thrust on air within minutes.

That moment sparked a lifelong passion for DJing, sound production and championing NZ music culture.

Those early experiments in sound would evolve into full-fledged live collaborations with musicians in late-night Wellington bars – ultimately leading to the formation of Fat Freddy’s Drop.

He is survived by his long-term partner Nicole and their daughter Mia.