According to WSBTV, Ludacris’ longtime music executive and manager and Disturbing Tha Peace record label co-founder, Chaka Zulu, was recently arrested on murder charges. Chaka, whose real name is Ahmed Obafemi, was also charged with aggravated assault, possession of a firearm while committing a felony and simple battery. Prison records show he surrendered to authorities on September 13 and signed up on the same day.
As we reported earlier, Chaka was one of three people shot on June 26 following a reported fight outside his Buckhead restaurant. After the shooting, Chaka was taken to the hospital. Atlanta Police Department officers said the shooting stemmed from an argument in a parking lot behind a strip mall. The shooting resulted in the death of 23-year-old Artez Benton.
Chaka’s attorney released a statement about the allegations stating, “Mr. Chaka Zulu, a beloved son of the City of Atlanta, is disappointed in the Atlanta Police Department’s decision to charge him in connection with the June 2022 shooting. Evidence, including surveillance footage and eyewitness interviews, revealed that Mr. Zulu was attacked and jumped from behind by a group of at least four (4) people (sadly including the person who disappeared) and was forced to defend himself after the group repeatedly stomped, punched and kicked him while he was on the ground in a defenseless position.
It continued, “Mr. Zulu was shot in the back during the shootout and nearly lost his life, he is still recovering from the near-fatal injuries he received that night. Mr. Zulu was at his premises that night and had every right to defend himself. In an attempt to save his life, Mr. Zulu legally discharged his weapon in self-defense, a weapon he was allowed to carry. Mr. Zulu fully cooperated with law enforcement officials and their investigation and voluntarily surrendered after learning of the arrest warrant. Mr. Zulu remains confident that his name will be cleared of all charges through the trial process. Mr. Zulu did not lose his life because someone lost his life, but if Mr. Zulu had not legally defended himself, Mr. Zulu could have been killed that night. “
We will update you as more information becomes available.
