Ludacris’ Manager Chaka Zulu Cleared of Murder Charge in 2022 Shooting

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Chaka Zulu is no longer facing a murder charge after a shooting in Atlanta last year. Fulton County prosecutors have found the manager of Ludacris acted in self-defense when he shot and killed 23-year-old Artez Benton.

Hitting Instagram, Zulu wrote, “I thank all who supported and prayed for me those seen and unseen. God is the Greatest. My ancestors are with me. Love is love.

“The Atlanta Police Department made an arrest on charges determined at a standard of probable cause, which is their duty in this and all cases,” the statement from the Fulton County District Attorney office reads. “The District Attorney’s office investigates cases to determine what can be proven beyond a reasonable doubt at trial…Our investigation of the facts and analysis of applicable law indicates that this is an appropriate resolution of this case based on the standard of proof required.”

Earlier this year, Chaka Zulu spoke after he was shot outside his restaurant. Hitting Instagram, Zulu thanked all that lifted him up:

“THIS TIME A YEAR AGO , LOVE AND THANK ALL WHO HAVE LIFTED ME UP IN THIS PROCESS.

I AM GRATEFUL

I AM THANKFUL

I AM BLESSED.”

Chaka Zulu was charged with murder in relation to a shooting that took place in a restaurant in Atlanta in June 2022 and resulted in the death of one person. Atlanta Police have charged Zulu with murder, aggravated assault, possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime, and simple violence despite the co-founder of Luda’s Disturbing Tha Peace imprint’s claims of self-defense.

In a video obtained by TMZ, a group of men, including the now dead Artez Benton, entered Zulu’s Apt4B restaurant but would leave minutes later after a dispute. Zulu returned to the restaurant and got into a heated argument with Tre’mon Robinson, who was a part of the group asked to leave.

Later in the video, another man, Corey Crawford, is seen grabbing an item from a car, which Zulu believed was a gun. Robinson would bump Zulu as his friends would come over. Zulu was jumped by all three men. A woman associate would attempt to help Chaka Zulu, but she was punched in the face. Crawford would duck behind a car, and shots are fired, seemingly coming from Zulu first. Shots are returned, hitting Zulu in the back. Benton sustained a shot to the chest, which would kill him.

The post Ludacris’ Manager Chaka Zulu Cleared of Murder Charge in 2022 Shooting first appeared on The Source.

The post Ludacris’ Manager Chaka Zulu Cleared of Murder Charge in 2022 Shooting appeared first on The Source.

Ludacris’ Manager Chaka Zulu Thanks Supporters One Year Removed from 2022 Shooting: ‘I AM GRATEFUL’

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Chaka Zulu is speaking out a year after he was shot outside his restaurant. Hitting Instagram, Zulu thanked all that lifted him up:

“THIS TIME A YEAR AGO , LOVE AND THANK ALL WHO HAVE LIFTED ME UP IN THIS PROCESS.

I AM GRATEFUL

I AM THANKFUL

I AM BLESSED.”

Chaka Zulu was charged with murder in relation to a shooting that took place in a restaurant in Atlanta in June 2022 and resulted in the death of one person. Atlanta Police have charged Zulu with murder, aggravated assault, possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime, and simple violence despite the co-founder of Luda’s Disturbing Tha Peace imprint’s claims of self-defense.

In a new video obtained by TMZ, a group of men, including the now dead Artez Benton, entered Zulu’s Apt4B restaurant but would leave minutes later after a dispute. Zulu returned to the restaurant and got into a heated argument with Tre’mon Robinson, who was a part of the group asked to leave.

Later in the video, another man, Corey Crawford, is seen grabbing an item from a car, which Zulu believed was a gun. Robinson would bump Zulu as his friends would come over. Zulu was jumped by all three men. A woman associate would attempt to help Chaka Zulu, but she was punched in the face. Crawford would duck behind a car, and shots are fired, seemingly coming from Zulu first. Shots are returned, hitting Zulu in the back. Benton sustained a shot to the chest, which would kill him.

The last update on the case was to AllHipHop by Zulu’s lawyer Gabe Banks.

“The Fulton County District Attorney’s Office is still investigating this matter. At this time, there are no upcoming court dates. He needs [the love]. More importantly, he appreciates it.”

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Chaka Zulu’s Murder Case Has Reportedly Stalled

Gun violence is one of America’s most pressing issues, and Hip-Hop is perhaps the industry affected by it the most. Last summer, Chaka Zulu (Ludacris’ longtime manager) was seriously injured in a deadly triple shooting in Atlanta. A group of men allegedly jumped Zulu, and afterward, Zulu claims to have shot back in self-defense. Zulu was shot in the back while 23-year-old Artez Benton was shot and killed.

In the aftermath of the shooting, Zulu turned himself into Fulton County authorities, and he was reportedly charged with murder, aggravated assault, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, and simple battery. Several prominent voices in Hip-Hop, including 50 Cent and Pusha T, have voiced their support for Chaka Zulu.

ATLANTA, GEORGIA – MAY 05: Chaka Zulu attends the Strength Of A Woman Festival & Summit Welcome Reception at Rock Steady on May 05, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for Strength Of A Woman Festival & Summit)
READ MORE: Chaka Zulu Case: Video Shows Ludacris’s Manager Was Jumped Before Firing Shots

Chaka Zulu’s Lawyer Gives Update On The Music Industry Veteran’s Case  

For the latest update on his impending murder case, Zulu’s lawyer — Gabe Banks — gave an exclusive statement to AllHipHop. Although Chaka Zulu turned himself in approximately four months ago, Banks confirmed that no court dates have been assigned. Regardless, he encourages fans and supporters to remain positive.

“The Fulton County District Attorney’s Office is still investigating this matter. At this time, there are no upcoming court dates. He needs [the love]. More importantly, he appreciates it,” Banks said.

Read Banks’ original statement on Chaka Zulu’s charges below. 

READ MORE: 50 Cent Says There’s “No Way” Chaka Zulu Should Be Charged With Murder

In fact, Chaka Zulu’s murder case isn’t the only Fulton County case that has stalled. Prosecutors reportedly pushed back YFN Lucci’s RICO trial so he could testify against Young Thug in his RICO trial. Although their cases are still without dates, another Fulton County criminal case is almost in full swing. Young Thug’s potentially industry-shifting RICO trial is currently in the jury selection process, so stay tuned to HNHH for updates.

ATLANTA, GEORGIA – FEBRUARY 03: Rapper Young Thug attends the game between the Phoenix Suns and the Atlanta Hawks at State Farm Arena on February 03, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images)
Read MORE: YSL Trial: Potential Juror Tried To Contact Young Thug’s Attorney’s Law Firm

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Surveillance Video Shows Chaka Zulu Firing Shots After Being Attacked by Group of Men

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Music executive and manager of the rapper/actor Ludacris, Chaka Zulu, has been charged with murder in relation to a shooting that took place in a restaurant in Atlanta in June and resulted in the death of one person. Atlanta Police have charged Zulu with murder, aggravated assault, possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime, and simple violence despite the co-founder of Luda’s Disturbing Tha Peace imprint’s claims of self-defense.

In a new video obtained by TMZ, a group of men, including the now dead Artez Benton, entered Zulu’s Apt4B restaurant but would leave minutes later after a dispute. Zulu went back inside the restaurant and got into a heated argument with Tre’mon Robinson, who was a part of the group asked to leave.

Later in the video, another man, Corey Crawford, is seen grabbing an item from a car, which Zulu believed was a gun. Robinson would bump Zulu as his friends would come over. Zulu was jumped by all three men. A woman associate would attempt to help Chaka Zulu, but she was punched in the face. Crawford would duck behind a car, and shots are fired, seemingly coming from Zulu first. Shots are returned, hitting Zulu in the back. Benton sustained a shot to the chest, which would kill him.

Zulu turned himself in on Tuesday and was lodged at the Fulton County Jail. According to jail records, he was freed the same day after posting a $200,000 bond. Since the incident, only he has been accused of the crime.

Attorney Gabe Banks claims that Zulu only fired his weapon in self-defense and if he did not defend himself, he might have been the one who lost his life that night.

“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 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 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 might and had every reason 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 teared 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.”

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Ludacris’ Manager Chaka Zulu Charged With Murder For June Shooting

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According to report from CNN, music exec and manager to rapper/actor Ludacris, Chaka Zulu, has been charged with murder in connection to a shooting in June at an Atlanta restaurant in which one person lost their life. Even though the co-founder of Luda’s Disturbing Tha Peace imprint is claiming self-defense, Atlanta Police have charged Zulu with murder, aggravated assault, possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime and simple battery.

On Tuesday, Zulu surrendered and was booked into the Fulton County Jail. He was released the same day on $200,000 bond, according to jail records. He has been the only one charged in the crime since the shooting.

Zulu, whose given name is Ahmed Obafemi, was one of three people found by police with gunshot wounds in the parking lot of a Buckhead shopping center on Peachtree Road. One of the other men, 23-year-old Artez Jamil Benton, died from his injuries. Benton is described as a hard working young man, graduating with honors from Druid Hills High School then attended Young Harris College, recruited as a baseball player, and also received a partial academic scholarship. Benton graduated last year with his business degree. Obafemi’s attorney, Gabe Banks, claims that Zulu only fired his weapon in self defense and if he did not defend himself, he may have been the one who lost his life that night.

Banks offered a full statement this morning (September 18) about the incident and charges brought against his client:

“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 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 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 might and had every reason 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 teared 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.”

Former Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed served as a spokesman for the family after the shooting, while Zulu remained hospitalized.

“We are fortunate to report that Chaka Zulu is in stable condition and recovering,” Reed said. “The family thanks everyone for their well wishes and prayers, and asks for their privacy at this time.”

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Ludacris’ Manager Chaka Zulu Has Reportedly Been Arrested On Murder Charges

Ahmed Obafemi, known as Chaka Zulu and the manager of Ludacris, has reportedly been arrested for murder charges.

In a tweet from Saturday (September 17), WSBTV reporter Michael Seiden said “Ludacris’ longtime manager Chaka Zulu arrested on murder charge. The music executive, whose real name is Ahmed Obafemi, is also charged w/ aggravated assault , possession of firearm during commission of a felony and simple battery, according to jail records.”

The reporter went on to share multiple tweets saying Obafemi surrendered himself on Tuesday (September 13), and was shot on June 26 outside the Buckhead restaurant he owns. Additionally, his arrest comes just two months after the family of Artez Benton had to bury their loved one who was shot outside the club Ahmed Obafemi owned.

Seiden provided more background, saying “Here’s the background: On June 26, APD responded to the 2200 block of Peachtree Road after getting reports of a shooting. When officers arrived , they found three people suffering from gunshot wounds. Investigators said it was the “result of a dispute in the parking lot.”

In June, Uproxx reported that the manager was shot after an escalated dispute at Apt4b. One person was killed, and two others were shot with the expectation they would recover from surgery.

This story is still developing, and Uproxx will provide more details when they are available.

Chaka Zulu Reportedly Returned Fire in Self-Defense During Atlanta Shooting

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Earlier this week, Chaka Zulu was wounded in a shooting in the Buckhead area of Atlanta. In a new development, Chaka Zulu reportedly fired back in self-defense in the shooting.

According to TMZ, multiple sources stated Chaka Zulu was outside of the APT 4B restaurant. When Chaka, his assistant, and his friend were leaving an event, Chaka was approached by a man leading to a verbal altercation. Another man nearby can be seen grabbing at his waistband.

A woman pushed the second man away from the altercation, but he reentered the area that eventually turned physical. After Chaka grabbed one of the men by the collar, multiple other men rushed in and knocked him down. A man in between cars would fire two shots and Chaka raised to his feet to return a shot.

Chaka Zulu is currently listed in critical condition from one gunshot wound to the chest.

According to 11Alive, Zulu and two other men were shot around 11:35 p.m. near Peachtree Road.

One of the men that were shot with Chaka Zulu did not survive. The custody of Zulu and the other victim has not been released.

Previously law enforcement stated the shooting was the result of a disagreement behind the strip mall. There are no suspects in custody and the investigation is ongoing.

In addition to his work with Ludacris, Chaka Zulu has represented Big K.R.I.T, Jeezy, Bobby Valentino, and more, while also holding positions at Spotify and Monster.

This story will update as more information is available.

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Ludacris’ Manager and Business Partner Chaka Zulu Wounded in Atlanta Shooting

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Chaka Zulu, legendary Atlanta music executive, manager of Ludacris, and Co-CEO of Disturbing Tha Peace Records was shot in the Buckhead neighborhood of Atlanta Sunday night. According to 11Alive, Zulu and two other men were shot around 11:35 p.m. near Peachtree Road.

One of the men that were shot with Chaka Zulu did not survive. The custody of Zulu and the other victim has not been released.

According to law enforcement, the shooting was the result of a disagreement behind the strip mall. There are no suspects in custody and the investigation is ongoing.

In addition to his work with Ludacris, Chaka Zulu has represented Big K.R.I.T, Jeezy, Bobby Valentino, and more, while also holding positions at Spotify and Monster.

This story will update as more information is available.

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Ludacris’ Manager Chaka Zulu Was Shot In Atlanta

Chaka Zulu, Ludacris‘ longtime manager and the president of their label Disturbing Tha Peace, is in the hospital after being wounded in a triple shooting in Buckhead, Atlanta last night, according to XXL and the local news. The shooting took place around 11:30 pm Sunday night outside a restaurant called Apt4b. A dispute escalated into gunfire as a male shooter killed one person and hit two others, including the music impresario, who underwent surgery and is expected to recover. Police are reviewing surveillance footage to identify the shooter.

Chaka Zulu, Ludacris, and Chaka’s brother Jeff Dixon founded DTP in 1998 to promote Luda’s music after he was turned down for a record deal by the major labels at the time. Eventually, spurred by the success of its marquee rapper and roster additions including Bobby V, Chingy, Lil Scrappy, Playaz Circle (which included 2 Chainz, rapping under the name Tity Boi), and Shawnna, DTP became a subsidiary of Def Jam, pumping out a string of hits throughout the 2000s, and producing the 2 Fast 2 Furious soundtrack.

In other Ludacris-related news, the self-described “worst hoarder of all” recently received an honorary degree from Georgia State, celebrating by buying himself a private jet — which he can fly himself after taking lessons during the pandemic. Maybe in the next Fast & Furious movie, his character will be due for an upgrade from a sports car to something that can really fly.

Meet Some Members of the XXL Awards Board on XXL Magazine Cover

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