Fat Freddy’s Drop founder Chris ‘Mu’ Faiumu has died
Also known under his stage name DJ Mu, Faiumu has been called a “talismanic” producer.
Chris ‘Mu’ Faiumu, the founding member of New Zealand seven-piece jazz and dub band Fat Freddy’s Drop, has died.
The news was confirmed yesterday, July 17, by the band, who shared on Instagram: “Our talismanic founding member, production maestro, selector and brother, Chris Ta’aloga Faiumu aka DJ MU aka Fitchie has unexpectedly passed away.”
“This is a seismic shift in our world,” they wrote. “Sending alofa to the Faiumu & Duckworth aiga, and to MU’s wider aiga of friends and fans worldwide. We ask please that you all respect everyone’s privacy during this difficult time. Hold tight.”
Also known under his stage name DJ Mu, Faiumu began his career in music as a DJ before forming Fat Freddy’s Drop in 1999, a band that became globally recognised for their fusion of dub, jazz, reggae, techno, and soul.
Fat Freddy’s Drop were also known for their improvised live sets, releasing their debut studio album ‘Based On A True Story’ in 2005 which became the third highest-selling album by a national group in New Zealand’s history.
“Tears flowed on receiving word that your journey had taken you to the heavens Chris,” the band wrote. “DJ MU, Fitchie… these were all the titles you were famously known by for your miraculous works to all music makers of Aotearoa and the whole world.”
They continued: “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.”
Friends and fans paid tribute in the comments of their post, including Black Coffee, DJ Jazzy Jeff, and Nightmares On Wax. Reggae band Katchafire also paid tribute, writing: “We had the honour of sharing stages, laughs, stories, and a deep love for the music and the people it serves.”
“Mu, your genius as a producer, selector and beat maker was only matched by your warmth, humour, and deep respect for culture,” they wrote.
Read some more tributes below.
Gemma Ross is Mixmag's Associate Digital Editor, follow her on Twitter.
