Maxwell Fraser, better known by the stage name Maxi Jazz, sang in the British electronic band from its inception in 1995. The band had several hit songs, including "We Come 1", "God is a DJ" and the almost nine-minute long song "Insomnia" which sampled by Avicii among others.
The band has produced albums with many different musical styles, but was best known as pioneers in dance music.
Maxi Jazz often rapped lyrics with a spiritual and social political content.
Jazz also fronted the band Maxi Jazz & The E-Type Boys and released music with the group Soul Food Cafe.
Praised by former band members
Former bandmate Sister Bliss writes on Twitter that he died "peacefully in his sleep" at his home in south London.
“Sending love to all of you who shared our musical journey.
Take care of each other," she writes.
In a statement on Maxi Jazz's Instagram, signed by former band members, they write that it was an honor to work with him:
“He was a man who changed our lives in so many ways.
He gave the right meaning and message to our music".
Jazz passed away on Friday, December 23.
The cause of death has not been determined.
Hear Maxi Jazz in a TV interview from 1999 in the clip above.