BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 26: Chaka Zulu attends the Culture Creators Innovators & Leaders Awards at The Beverly Hilton on June 26, 2021 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Jerritt Clark/Getty Images for Culture Creators)
According to WSBTV, music executive and Ludacris’ longtime manager and co-founder of Disturbing Tha Peace record label, Chaka Zulu, was recently arrested on a murder charge. Chaka, whose real name is Ahmed Obafemi, is also charged with aggravated assault, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, and simple battery. Jail records show he surrendered to authorities on September 13th and posted bond the same day.
As we previously reported, Chaka was one of three people shot on June 26th after a reported fight outside his Buckhead restaurant. Following the shooting, Chaka was transported to the hospital. Atlanta Police Department officers said the shooting stemmed from an argument in a parking lot behind a strip center. The shooting resulted in the death of 23-year-old Artez Benton.
Chaka’s attorney released a statement about the charges stating, “Mr. Chaka Zulu, a beloved son of the City of Atlanta, is disappointed in the Atlanta Police Department’s decision to bring charges against him surrounding the shooting that occurred in June 2022. A close review of all of the evidence, including the surveillance footage and eyewitness interviews, reveals that Mr. Zulu was attacked and jumped from behind by a gang of at least four (4) individuals (sadly including the decedent) and was forced to defend himself after this gang repeatedly stomped, punched, and kicked him while he was on the ground in a defenseless posture.”
It continued, “Mr. Zulu was shot in the back during the shooting and nearly lost his life, and is still recovering from the nearly fatal injuries he sustained that evening. Mr. Zulu was at his place of business that night and had every right to defend himself. In an attempt to save his life, Mr. Zulu lawfully discharged his weapon in self-defense, a weapon that he is licensed to carry. Mr. Zulu fully cooperated with law enforcement officials and their investigation and voluntarily turned himself in once he learned of the arrest warrants. Mr. Zulu remains confident that his name will be cleared of all charges through the judicial process. It is not lost on Mr. Zulu that someone lost his life, but had Mr. Zulu not lawfully defended himself, Mr. Zulu would have been killed that night.”
We will keep you updated as more information becomes available.
