Chaka Zulu, the longtime manager of rapper Ludacris, was charged for murder earlier this week involving a deadly shooting that occurred back in June.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports the music executive and co-founder of Disturbing The Peace Records, turned himself on Tuesday (Sep. 13) at Fulton County jail and booked on four charges, including murder, aggravated assault, simple battery, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony. Chaka Zulu, born Ahmed Obafemi, was released the same day on $200,000 bond. His lawyer Gabe Banks released the following statement.
“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. 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 named 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.”
The arrest comes nearly three months after Chaka Zulu was one of the three victims who were shot following a dispute in Atlanta that resulted in the death of 23-year-old Artez Jamil Benton. Zulu was later identified as a suspect in Benton’s death.