Long-time Ludacris manager Shaka Zulu (real name: Ahmed Obafemi) was arrested on a series of charges, including murder, on September 13. According to inmate records from the Fulton County, Georgia Jail, Obafemi — who voluntarily turned himself in — faces additional charges of aggravated assault, possession of a firearm in the process of committing a felony and minor battery shooting in June outside the APT 4B restaurant in Atlanta, resulting in the death of adult Artis Benton Age 23 years old. Records show that Obafemi enslaved on the same day.
Late on Saturday night (September 17), Obafemi’s attorney Gabe Banks released a statement via Instagram regarding the arrest and insisted that his client acted in self-defence.
“Mr. Chaka Zulu, beloved son of the city of Atlanta, is disappointed by the Atlanta Police Department’s decision to bring charges against him over the June 2022 shooting.” A careful review of all evidence, including surveillance footage and eyewitness interviews, reveals that Mr. Zulu was attacked and jumped from behind by a gang of at least four (4) members (including the sadly deceased) and forced to defend himself after being repeatedly trampled, punched and kicked by this gang while on the ground in a defenseless position.
Banks also noted that not only did the accident take place at Obafemi’s workplace, but that he was shot in the back during the clash and nearly lost his life.
“In an attempt to save his life, Mr. Zulu lawfully fired his weapon in self-defense, a weapon he was licensed to carry. Mr. Zulu fully cooperated with law enforcement officials and their investigation, and voluntarily surrendered as soon as he became aware of the arrest warrants.”
Both Obafemi and Banks are confident the veteran music executive’s name will be cleared during the upcoming criminal proceedings. Banks added: “Mr Zulu has not lost sight of someone losing their life, but if the Zulu had not defended themselves lawfully, Mr. Zulu would have been killed that night.”
Disturbing Tha Peace Records was founded by Obafemi, Ludacris, and Obafemi Jeff Dixon in 1998, and is home to artists such as Chingy, Bobby V, and Lil Scrappy. He also played a major role in closing the Ludacris deal with Def Jam in 2008 and worked as a manager for the rapper and actor for a long time.
In 2019, Obafemi, under the name Chaka Zulu, joined Spotify as Head of Artist and Talent Relationships.
[ad_2]
