Hundreds of people are expected to gather for the ʻapō (wake) in honour of Mētui Fīnau on Friday, April 1 in Auckland, New Zealand.
Kaniva News reports the 29-year-old Tongan musician and member of west Auckland band Spacifix died suddenly on March 24.
A coroner has yet to determine the cause of his death.
His wife Natasha Finau told Fairfax Media she was with Mētui at the time before he died doing some fitness exercises.
“He was the life of the party, and he brought out the best in people. He wanted to celebrate whatever situation we found ourselves in, he was always looking on the bright side of life,” Natasha said.
A statement about his funeral said:
“It is with heavy hearts we notify friends and family our beloved Metui passed away suddenly on Thursday. Husband and Soulmate to Natasha, cherished son of Rev Viliami Finau and Tui’pulotu, adored brother and uncle.
“Metui will lay in state at his home in Flat Bush until Wednesday 30th March where, in the late evening, he will move to his family homestead in New Lynn.
“On Thursday 31st 7pm, an open service will take place at Pulela’a New Lynn Tongan Methodist Church, Margan Avenue, New Lynn.
It said the āpō will be followed by the funeral service on Saturday April 2, 10am at Pulela’a, followed by the burial service at Waikumete Cemetery.