Boney M member Liz Mitchell, who lives in Oxfordshire, has paid tribute to her former band mate Frank Farian who died on Tuesday aged 82.

The German music producer, also known for his work with R&B group Milli Vanilli and American pop band No Mercy, passed away "peacefully" in his Miami apartment, according to an announcement from his family.

Ms Mitchell, originally from Jamaica, but now living in Oxfordshire, said: "Our work was truly blessed and so enjoyed by people around the world who had the privilege to hear it down the years.

“The testimonies come from the hearts of those who heard it and I am so grateful to the god of music that allowed our coming together, to create and present to the world the music of Boney M.

"We shared and united under a star which rose above and beyond what we ever dared to expect.

"I say well done to the work that we did. Rest in peace, Frank.”

Mr Farian, credited with much of the song writing for Boney M including hits such as Daddy Cool and Rasputin, also had a successful stint with Milli Vanilli, contributing to chart-topping songs like Girl You Know It’s True and Girl I’m Gonna Miss You.

Boney M, assembled by Mr Farian in 1975, consisted of four singers – Marcia Barrett, Maizie Williams, Liz Mitchell and Bobby Farrell.

They had an impressive run, starting with their hit single Daddy Cool in 1976 and going on to have 10 UK top 10 hits before their eventual split.

They are believed to have been the first international group to perform in the communist Soviet Union.

Born Franz Reuther in Kirn, south-west Germany, on July 18, 1941, Mr Farian transitioned from working as a chef to founding rock 'n' roll band Frankie And The Shadows in 1961 and going on to release his solo song Rocky in 1976.

His career also saw him collaborate with music heavyweights such as Stevie Wonder, Meat Loaf, and Eurodance duo La Bouche.

Mr Farian’s work extended to the film industry, with a biopic about Milli Vanilli, called Girl You Know It’s True, released in 2023, where he was portrayed by actor Matthias Schweighofer.

At the time of his death, Mr Farian was working on new music for No Mercy and Milli Vanilli, as well as gearing up to produce a major musical.

He was also working on a six-part TV streaming series about his musical work.

In a statement, it was shared that these projects will now be completed in his honour by the Frank Farian Foundation.

The foundation said: “The foundation is committed to preserving Frank Farian’s extensive life’s work and promoting new talent, just as the passionate music lover wanted it.”