The world of music and film has come together to pay respects to 'legendary' musician Taz of Stereo Nation who has died aged 54.

The singer helped to produce some of the most memorable music of the past 35 years inspiring a whole generation with his fusion of British pop and traditional Asian sounds.

Tarsame Singh Saini took up the name Johnny Zee before being referred to as Taz as he took the Brit-Asian music world by storm in the late nineties.

He would go on to headline at many of the biggest events across the world creating his very own style.

In March he had been rushed to hospital but despite reports of a recovery his health had deteriorated this month.

Musician Rishi Rich said: "I’m heartbroken My brother Taz. Thank you for everything you did for me . Your album Hit The Deck was one of the main reasons I wanted to produce music, fusion music. You ll always be my inspiration. Love you my brother. Rest In Peace."

Broadcaster Adil Ray said: "Very sad to hear of the passing of British singer @tazstereonation One of the many artists I owe my career to. I spent 10 years on BBC radio & would not have succeeded without Taz’s support & groundbreaking, universal pop tracks. His heart lives on through his work."

Actor and writer Sanjeen Bhaskar said: "Such tragic news about the too young passing of @tazstereonation - one of the key contributors to the music fusion scene and the surge of British Asian creativity & culture of the 90’s. Condolences to his family, friends and fans RIP."

Musician Adnan Sam posted: "Can’t believe it! Extremely Saddened & Shocked… May he Rest in Peace."

Presenter Bobby Friction said: "Absolutely shocked & saddened by this news. @tazstereonation has passed away. Taz AKA Johnny Zee AKA Tarsame Singh Saini. Changed the Desi Music game back in the 90s & lived a life full of joy, emotion & good vibes whenever I met him."

Roach Killa posted: "R.I.P my bro #TazStereoNation May God bless ur soul.. Will miss u my bro...#Legend."

Jassi Sidhu said: "Just heard the heartbreaking news about @tazstereonation. From my 1st ever tour alongside him in 1999 to now was always a gentleman Made pop bhangra that we all hear now decades ago & took it to the masses a pioneer Your legacy lives on in your music my brother Waheguru."

Bally Sagoo whose career in some mirrored that of Taz posted just this: "RIP brother. You will truly be missed. #TazStereoNation."

Rapper Mika Singh said: "The great Singer @tazstereonation  has sadly left us with his beautiful memories. He was hospitalised recently and unfortunately in a coma. I’ve grown up listening to his music Lal lal bulliyan, nachange sari raat as well as other massive hits. May God bless his soul RIP."

 

Presenter Sonia Dutta said: "This man has left behind a true legacy. It’s because of individuals like him - with the courage, the passion and the zest for their passion that we’ve seen Indian music reach the hearts of people in every corner of the world.

"He was and will continue to be an inspiration to so, so many. Thank you for the music My heart goes out to all his loved ones."

Film director Gurinder Chadha OBE said last night: "Heartbroken to hear that a pioneer of the British Asian music scene has just left us. You cannot underestimate my excitement on hearing #HitTheDeck. By #jonnyZee then ⁦ @tazstereonation pure Br’Asian pop fusion. for all the joy you gave me Taz God Bless you."

 

 

 

 

Mirza MC said: "Heart broken to hear the sad news on the passing away of my great friend and bhangra reggae legend Taz Stereo Nation aka Johnny Zee. My condolences to the family of Taz Singh. May his soul rest in peace.
Going to miss you alot my bro."