Long Beach Musician Toko Tasi Identified In Fatal Weekend Shooting

Late Saturday night, police responded to a call regarding a shooting incident outside of a Wrigley bar. One man, who was shot and killed has been identified by friends as local musician Toko Tasi.

The coroner’s office has not publicly identified Tasi, and are pending notification of family, officials said, but a makeshift memorial has been left on the sidewalk right outside the bar.

Tasi was an Hawaiin-born and Long Beach-raised hip-hop musician. He was a singer-songwriter who worked with Sublime and Slightly Stoopid.

Long Beach Police say there was a dispute between Tasi and an unidentified male before he was shot around 11:40am between West Willow St. and Eucalyptus Ave. The unknown shooter was last seen fleeing the scene.

Officers and paramedics tried lifesaving methods, but unfortunately Tasi passed away at the scene. Tasi leaves behind his daughter Lily who he called “Bubbles”.

Many fans and friends took to social media to remember and pay tribute to the 45-year old artist. A post on Tasi’s official facebook page reads “Toko Tasi was taken away from this Earth by senseless violence in Long Beach, California,” and promises benefits shows to help the family of Tasi.

Tasi was born Asofaatasi Malaki and had released two albums since 2007. His debut self-titled album featured vocals from Bradley Nowell the singer of famed Long Beach-born ska act Sublime who died in 1996 — on a track called “Love To Share.” His most recent album “Rise ta Shine” was released in 2017.