Longtime music executive Chaka Zulu is in a serious legal situation.
Zulu is also the manager of Atlanta rapper Ludacris and cofounder of his label D.T.P. Zulu is facing a murder charge.
As reported on 11 Alive, Zulu, birth name, Ahmed Obafemi, was a suspect in a shooting that happened on June 26. At the time of the incident, Zulu was shot outside the Buckhead strip mall at approximately 11:35 p.m. Officers say the shooting sprung from an argument in the parking lot behind the strip center on Peachtree Road.
According to authorities, two other men were shot, and one of the victims was pronounced dead. The outlet reports the Fulton County Medical Examiner identified the deceased victim as 23-year-old Artez Benton.
The Disturbing Tha Peace C.E.O. was initially considered a victim. In the latest update, Atalanta Police Department says Zulu is charged with murder, aggravated assault, possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime, and simple battery. The report says Zulu turned himself in on Tuesday (September 15) at the Fulton County Jail. CNN points out was released the same day after posting a $200,000 bond.
Zulu’s attorney, Gabe Banks of Banks Weaver, L.L.C., says the shooting was in self-defense after Zulu was attacked. Banks said in a statement,
“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.” It goes on to say,
“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.” A motive for the shooting isn’t known.
Ludacris hasn’t spoken out publicly as of yet. Zulu has been his manager since the 1990’s. Disturbing Tha Peace Records, is a a subsidiary of Def Jam. They represented artists such as Chingy, Bobby Valentino, Young Jeezy, Swizz Beatz, Big K.R.I.T., and more.
We’ll keep you updated as more details become available.