Last picture of Maxi Jazz shows Faithless singer rehearsing ahead of releasing new music

Maxi Jazz had been preparing to release new music prior to his death.

The last post shared by the late singer to his Instagram page last month showed the God Is a DJ hitmaker playing a guitar at his home ahead of the 'return of the might E-type Boys'.

A statement shared via the Faithless singer’s Instagram account on Christmas Eve 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.

Maxi Jazz died at the age of 65, with his death announced to fans on Christmas Eve (@maxijazz_official)

Fans have been paying tribute underneath the final snaps shared by the star on Instagram (@maxijazz_official)

"He was a brilliant lyricist, a DJ, a Buddhist, a magnificent stage presence, car lover, endless talker, beautiful person, moral compass and genius."

Following the sad news being made public, fans and celebrities have been paying tribute to the late star - with many flocking to comment on Maxi's final Instagram post.

On November 24, Maxi shared a collection of snaps with his Instagram followers as he prepared to release new music.

Maxi shared his final Instagram post with his fans last month (@maxijazz_official)

The late singer had been rehearsing new music with his bandmates (@maxijazz_official)

"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.

The late star was a much-loved figure in the music industry (PA)

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!"

Maxi lived in in West Norwood, in the London Borough of Lambeth prior to his death.

Tributes for the late star have been pouring in following his death being announced (Getty Images)

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!”