UPDATE - 11:07am: Fat Freddy's Drop have paid tribute to their founding member in an emotional Instagram post.
"Our talismanic founding member, production maestro, selector and brother, Chris Ta’aloga Faiumu aka DJ MU aka Fitchie has unexpectedly passed away," the caption read.
The band called it a "seismic shift" in their world, and sent alofa to Faiumu's family, friends and fans.
"We ask please that you all respect everyone’s privacy during this difficult time. Hold tight," they added.
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Chris Faiumu, one of the founding members of legendary Kiwi band Fat Freddy's Drop, has died.
Known as 'Mu' and 'DJ Fitchie', he was part of the band's inception back in 1999, along with vocalist Dallas Tamaira and trumpet player Toby Laing.
Faiumu was a first-generation Samoan-New Zealander from Wainuiomata, and a key innovator behind the unique sound that would come to be synonymous with Fat Freddy's Drop.
The band's first album, 'Based on a True Story', which was released in 2005, is one of New Zealand's highest-selling ever.
Tributes on social media have already begun to pour in for the pioneering musician. Wellington Mayor Tory Whanau said on Facebook she was "absolutely devastated" to hear of Faiumu's passing.
"Legendary musician, and person, who contributed so much to Pōneke and Aotearoa. Sending plenty of aroha to his friends and whānau," she wrote.
DJ Jazzywhut, who had been mentored by Faiumu, wrote that he was "beyond heartbroken" by the news.
"Farewell Big Mu," he added. "Thank you for everything!!!! You were one of my mentors and I still have some of your records. Thinking of all of his Family, FFD crew, Radio Active crew and his mountain of Friends and fans. The world has lost a pillar and a powerhouse of a very talented and great, humble man."
Another comment from a fan read: "So incredibly sad..... single-handedly created the new Kiwiana sound that connects us to our home if ever we are away from our slice of paradise."
"Rest in peace and love bro, l know you gunna reach that place," one person wrote.
"Legend in a legendary Welly group," a third commented. "Their whole model is built around doing things their own way, touring hard, especially through Europe’s underground dance scene, and letting word of mouth do the work instead of chasing mainstream hype."
Other people mentioned Faiumu's commitment to mentoring upcoming musicians and how many people he inspired over his lengthy career.
RIP to an Aotearoa music icon.
