OMC

OMC, short for Otara Millionaires Club, was a New Zealand music group best known for their international hit single "How Bizarre". Here are some facts about OMC:

1. Formation and Members:

   • OMC was formed in 1993 by vocalist and songwriter Pauly Fuemana in Otara, a suburb of Auckland, New Zealand. The group initially consisted of Pauly Fuemana and his brother, Alan Jansson, who served as the group's producer.
   • Pauly Fuemana was the driving force behind OMC, providing vocals and songwriting for the group. His distinctive voice and charismatic stage presence played a significant role in the success of the band.

2. Breakthrough with "How Bizarre":

   • OMC's breakthrough came in 1996 with the release of their debut single "How Bizarre". The song, which blended elements of reggae, hip-hop, and pop, became an international sensation, topping the charts in multiple countries, including New Zealand, Australia, and Canada.
   • "How Bizarre" reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States, making OMC the first New Zealand band to achieve this feat. The song's catchy melody, infectious groove, and quirky lyrics propelled it to become one of the defining hits of the 1990s.

3. Album Success and Follow-Up:

   • Following the success of "How Bizarre", OMC released their debut album of the same name in 1996. The album received widespread acclaim and achieved commercial success, reaching platinum status in multiple countries.
   • OMC's debut album featured additional singles such as "On the Run" and "Land of Plenty", which further showcased the group's eclectic musical style and Fuemana's songwriting prowess. Despite the album's success, OMC struggled to replicate the massive success of "How Bizarre" with subsequent releases.

4. Legacy and Impact:

   • OMC's impact on the New Zealand music scene and the global pop landscape cannot be overstated. "How Bizarre" remains one of the most iconic and recognizable songs to emerge from New Zealand, earning OMC a permanent place in music history.
   • The success of "How Bizarre" paved the way for other New Zealand artists to achieve international recognition, helping to raise the profile of the country's music industry on the global stage.

5. Tragic Loss and Disbandment:

   • Despite the initial success of OMC, the group faced internal struggles and challenges following the release of their debut album. Pauly Fuemana battled personal demons, including drug addiction and health issues, which took a toll on his career and personal life.
   • Tragically, Pauly Fuemana passed away on January 31, 2010, at the age of 40, due to complications from a rare neurological disease. His death marked the end of OMC, leaving behind a legacy defined by the enduring popularity of "How Bizarre" and its impact on the music industry.