Jamiroquai founding member and keyboardist Toby Smith dies

Cape Town – Founding member and original keyboardist for Jamiroquai, Toby Smith, has died, reports fansite Funkin.

According to a statement on the site, 46-year-old Smith died on Tuesday, 11 April 2017.

Smith played with the band for 10 years from 1992 until 2002 when he reportedly left to spend more time with his family.

He formed the band with lead singer Jay Kay and members Stuart Zender, Nick Van Gelder and Wallis Buchanan. He co-wrote many of the band’s hits including Deeper Underground, Virtual Insanity and Space Cowboy.

Jamiroquai's original bassist, Zender, took to his Instagram account to pay tribute to Smith. "The most talented musician I have ever had the honor to make music with. There will never be another like you Toby," he captioned the post.

See the full post here:

I love you so much. My big brother Toby crossed over to the other side last night. All my fondest memories are of him and the band that we created. The most talented musician I have ever had the honor to make music with. There will never be another like you Toby. Your light will shine on eternally. Thank you for making mine and everyone's life so bright. I celebrate your love and life! Rest in Love. Your bald brother Stu x

A post shared by SZ (@stuartzender) on Apr 12, 2017 at 5:10am PDT

Tributes have started pouring in for Smith on social media.

See some of them here:

pic.twitter.com/D1sq6Wv0Yj

— Coldplay (@coldplay) April 14, 2017

@JamiroquaiHQ So sorry to hear about Toby, sending love & prayers xx

— danell yoc (@stars2p) April 14, 2017

Virtual Insanity is literally one of the best key riffs ever.#RIPTobySmith @JamiroquaiHQ

— Cristian Arevalo (@JcRocker12) April 14, 2017

RIP to one of the founding members of Jamiroquai - Toby Smith the funk is with you forever.

— Terrence A (@Terrence_ZA) April 12, 2017

too young, to die??
thankyou, Toby smith.#tobysmith #jamiroquai pic.twitter.com/iRXAhQBeXi

— ? ? (@iamkaneda) April 12, 2017