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Jamiroquai keyboard player and founding member Toby Smith has died aged 46 - following a secret battle with cancer, according to TMZ.

The band's lead singer Jay Kay posted a statement on Facebook on Friday informing fans of the news and paying tribute to his late friend, who reportedly passed on Tuesday.

He wrote: 'Yesterday, I found out the news I was hoping, and truly believed, would never happen, that my dear friend Toby, had passed away.

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RIP: Jamiroquai keyboardist Toby Smith (far right) has died aged 46, following a lengthy battle with cancer

'My heart hangs so heavy with grief and pain, that I have found it difficult to write anything about this up to now. 

'The recent success of the new album has paled into complete and utter insignificance to me on hearing this terrible news. 

Speaking of his bravery amid recent health issues, he continued: 'Toby had fought this voracious illness with his own indefatigable and stubborn brand of spirit and courage for a very long time, and until fairly recently, had shown all the signs of beating it, only for it to take him away so cruelly from his wife, his children, his relations and his many friends.' 

Devastated: The band's lead singer Jay Kay, 47, posted a statement on Facebook informing fans of the news, and to pay tribute to his late friend (above), who passed on Tuesday night

The front man went on to encourage fans to remember him through their many hits - as he looked back at his 'effortless and eloquent' musical talents. 

He added: 'I want you all to remember him this way, because all you have to do is put his music on, wherever you are, whatever your mood, and let his amazing alchemy of chord structure, his mastery of timing, and his effortless and eloquent solos, get under your skin, right into your soul, and make you smile at the world, not matter how bad it seems.'

He finished his touching statement with a tribute to his contribution to both the band and his life as a friend, writing:  'He has been a huge part of my life. 

Back in the day: The  band's bassist Stuart Zender also took to Instagram to pay tribute to his close friend by sharing an image of the pair in their younger days (above)

'Without him, there would be no JAMIROQUAI, and as I write this, the moon is clear and bright in the sky, and I think of him how it should be, riding his mighty horse across it, leaving a trail of stars behind him.

He signed off: 'I will miss you so much Tobesman. I will always be so proud of you. Ride the wind buddy, nothing can stop you now. Your mate, Jx.'

Meanwhile the band's bassist Stuart Zender also took to Instagram to pay tribute to his close friend.

Big hitters: Toby joined the band back in 1992, and enjoyed success with hits such as Space Cowboy and Virtual Insanity

Posting a photo of the pair working on music in their younger days, he wrote: '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'

According to TMZ, the band were aware that Toby was battling the disease for years - but thought he had been close to remission. 

Staying optimistic: According to TMZ , the band were aware that Toby was battling the disease - but thought he had been close to remission

Sources told the site that he instead remained incredibly optimistic about his condition, and never revealed his true suffering to close friends.  

An insider revealed that he had died beside his wife and children, and that it had come as a 'surprise and complete shock.' 

Toby joined the band back in 1992 - recording on the first five albums, and finding success with hits such as Space Cowboy, Deeper Underground and Virtual Insanity.

However he left Jamiroquai on 29 April 2002 during the Funk Odyssey tour, to spend more time with his family, and later went on to become the manager and music producer of Indie band The Hoosiers.

In more recent years, the musician opened his own recording studio in Banbury, Oxfordshire, called Angelic Recording Studios, and co-produced the third album of Matt Cardle, who won ITV show The X Factor in 2010. 

Good friends: However he left Jamiroquai on 29 April 2002 during the Funk Odyssey tour, due to family commitments (pictured with Jay Kay, above)