Screenshot from the live-streamed “Celebrate the Life of Zumbi” memorial on Aug. 22, 2021.

Around 1,000 viewers tuned in on Sunday evening for a live-streamed memorial service for the late Stephen Gaines, better known as Baba Zumbi of East Bay hip-hop group Zion I.

Zumbi passed away at a Berkeley hospital on Aug. 13. He was reportedly recovering from COVID-19, but was also involved in an altercation with hospital security, who restrained him shortly before he died. Berkeley police were investigating and a cause of death had not been announced as of Sunday night.

The celebration of life of Zumbi included numerous hip-hop artists, singers and DJs with ties to the East Bay. After a couple of false starts due to technical difficulties, the event began, set in a room decorated with images of Zumbi and his family and friends. A large portrait hung behind the performers.

“May Zumbi live on in spirit and shine bright forever,” said vocalist Goapele after singing a cappella.

Other presenters gave offerings, prayed, lit candles. DJs spun Zion I songs like “Bluenile,” “Calm Down,” “That’s Fresh,” “Nowadaze” and “Trapped Out.” Artist Deuce Eclipse rapped over “Back to Life,” a collaborative track he had released with Zion I.

Artists including Kev Choice (R) and C. Holiday (second from L) perform at a celebration of life for Baba Zumbi (Stephen Gaines) on Aug. 21, 2021.

Fans from throughout the U.S. and as far away as Poland and Australia virtually convened with each other to mourn and celebrate Zumbi.

“My deepest sympathies to all of Zumbi’s family and friends. The world was fortunate to have him in it, and the Universe has now gained a bright, brilliant light, as we bid him goodbye,” viewer Ellen Duffy​ commented on the YouTube livestream.

“His music always hit me different (along w/ Amp),” viewer Jon A. commented. “He was always original and unlike no other. You will be missed, Zumbi. Your kids are beautiful and I’m sure they will influence others like you have.”

DJ Ambush took off his shoes before performing, a habit he said he picked up from Zumbi.

Author and artist Karega Bailey spoke of overcoming grief.

“Grief is a massive invitation to love, and all I’ve ever known from him was love,” Bailey said.

Pianist and hip-hop artist Kev Choice and vocalist C. Holiday performed a touching gospel-inspired jazz number, sometimes singing directly to their friend. C. Holiday then took the reigns and sang along to Zion I’s “Antenna.” He and several others then danced along to “Coastin’.”

The evening concluded with recorded messages of praise for Zumbi by Macklemore, who recalled how Zion I was the first group to take him out on tour, as well as Eric Rachmany of Rebelution.

Follow editor Roman Gokhman at Twitter.com/RomiTheWriter.