Chaka Zulu, longtime manager of Atlanta rap superstar Ludacris, has been charged with murder and other felony counts. The charges stem from charge a fatal triple shooting in June. Zulu reportedly surrendered to authorities on September 13 and bonded out the same day.

WSB-TV's Michael Seiden tweeted that Zulu (birth name Ahmed Obafemi) is facing several additional charges, including aggravated assault, possession of a firearm during commission of a felony and simple battery. On June 27, at around 11:35 p.m. local time, several shots were fired at a restaurant in Atlanta's Buckhead district; shots struck Chaka, injured another and killed 23-year-old Artez Benton of Scottdale.

Chaka's lawyer Gabe Banks released a statement via Instagram proclaiming Chaka's innocence.

“Mr. Chaka Zulu, the 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,” he wrote in the statement. “A close review of the all of the evidence, including surveillance footage and eyewitness interviews, reveal 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.”

“In an attempt to save his life, Mr. Zulu lawfully discharged his weapon in self-defense, a weapon that he was 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.”