Faithless singer Maxi Jazz has died at the age of 65.
A statement shared on the Insomnia singer’s Instagram said: “We are heartbroken to say Maxi Jazz died peacefully at his home in South London last night.
“He was a man who changed our lives in so many ways. He gave proper meaning and message to our music.
“He was also a lovely human being with time for everyone and a wisdom that was both profound and accessible. It was an honour and, of course , a true pleasure to work with him.
“He was a brilliant lyricist, a DJ, a Buddhist, a magnificent stage presence, car lover, endless talker, beautiful person, moral compass and genius."
Sister Bliss and many more stars also paid tribute to the dance music icon on Twitter this evening.
Sharing a picture of the God Is a DJ hitmaker with her followers, she wrote: "Maxi Jazz 1957 - 2022. We are heartbroken to share that Maxi died peacefully in his sleep last night. Sending love to all of you who shared our musical journey. Look after each other y’hear."
Fans quickly replied to the tweet to pass on their condolences and pay tribute to Maxi.
"Sad news this. He was a massive part of some timeless tracks," one wrote on Twitter as the news broke.
"Really sorry to hear this news Blissy, he was a lovely man - and really thoughtful & philosophical in rhymes and in deeds," another added, as a third tweeted: "Oh my gosh! I’ve seen faithless several times and I cannot believe this. My thoughts and prays with Maxi’s family and the whole of the faithless team xxx.
Maxi's band Faithless also paid tribute to their late bandmate this evening, tweeting: "He was a lovely human being with time for everyone and wisdom that was both profound and accessible."
Faithless first formed in 1995 and is best known for trance hits including Insomnia, God Is A DJ, and We Come 1.
Born in Brixton, London in 1967, Maxi founded The Soul Food Cafe System as a DJ in 1984, having discovered hip hop a year earlier, before going on to meet Rollo Armstrong in a studio and forming the group Faithless with Sister Bliss joining the core line-up.
The group's first album Reverence was released in 1996 and their most recent, All Blessed in 2020. Faithless sold millions of records across the world and after their catalogue was uploaded to streaming sites in 2018, they average over 400,000 streams a day.
The band's records have charted at number 1 in numerous countries and they were voted 4th greatest dance band of all time by Mixmag.
Away from music, Maxi was passionate about cars and racing - featuring on Sky One's Vroom Vroom motoring show.
On Sunday 9 December 2001, the singer was involved in a serious car accident, causing several of Faithless' UK tour dates to be postponed.
The music icon was left temporarily unable to walk by the crash in 2001 and and Faithless had to pull out of their world tour, but his enthusiasm for cars endured.
His impressive collection was shown on Sky One's Vroom Vroom motoring show, and included a Subaru Impreza P1, a Ford Escort Mk2 RS2000, a Ford Fiesta Zetec S.
He told the Fuelling Around podcast in 2020, that he had sold only one car he had bought, a Subaru, and he still regretted saying goodbye.
He said: “Once I’ve formed a relationship with a motorcar that’s it, it’s mine and it’s not going anywhere.”
Four years after his car crash, in 2005, he raced a Ginetta and the following years competed in the Porsche Carrrera Cup GB.
Maxi lived in in West Norwood, in the London Borough of Lambeth prior to his death.
Reggae band UB40 remembered Maxi as a "lovely guy" this evening, as they recalled touring with him in 2017 with his band Maxi Jazz & The E-Type Boys.
Radio DJ MistaJam, whose real name is Peter Dalton, recalled meeting Jazz and coming away feeling like he was the “kindest man with such an aura about him”.
He added in his tribute on Twitter: “His words and performances touched so many of us and he’ll be sorely missed. Love to @thesisterbliss and the whole @faithless family. Rest in Power Maxi Jazz!”
Fans of the late singer took to the comment section underneath his final Instagram post as the news broke.
On November 24, Maxi shared a collection of snaps with his Instagram followers as he prepared to release new music.
"Return of the mighty E-Type Boys! Rehearsing at mine, joyful noises in the bleak mid autumn," the late star began in his caption. "So much fun. Thanks for your time @jakelibretto Chris and @onbass1 ! MJ."
Maxi - whose birth name was Maxwell Fraser - began fronting the band of musicians named Maxi Jazz & The E-Type Boys in 2015.
Bandmate Jake Libretto - who featured in Maxi's final Instagram post last month - shared a moving tribute to his late friend on social media this evening.
Captioning a snap of himself posing alongside Maxi, guitarist Jake wrote: "To a legend, a teacher, a band mate, and most importantly! My friend! You did more for me than you'll ever know. You started off my dream to come true as a musician!
"Rest up rude boi! I will love and miss you so much! Maxi jazz!"
