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Lawyer claims Atlanta music executive, Ludacris manager acted in self defense during deadly shooting

We're expected to learn more about the investigation that has the music executive facing murder charges.

ATLANTA — Attorneys for Chaka Zulu, held a press conference on Thursday as the Atlanta music executive faces murder charges following a deadly shooting over the summer.

Much of what was discussed regarded surveillance video, which has also circulated on social media, appearing to show the moments leading up to gunfire.

Zulu's legal team pressed that the footage demonstrates their client's innocence and showcases the he fired his weapon out of self-defense, after being attacked by a group of men outside a Buckhead restaurant where he reportedly did business.

During the news conference, lawyers for the music executive, whose real name is Ahmed Obafemi, also expressed their desire to see the other men involved in the altercation brought to justice.

LIVE: Chaka Zulu's lawyers discuss the fatal shooting and his charges

During that late-June shooting, the music executive was allegedly shot in the back. 

Atlanta Police said that Zulu is accused of shooting two people, killing one of them. He turned himself in and he was released on a $200,00 bond on the same day. He is now facing murder, aggravated assault, and simple battery charges stemming from the shooting.

RELATED: Video circulating social media appears to show confrontation leading up to Chaka Zulu shooting

11Alive previously forwarded the video discussed in the conference to both the Atlanta Police Department, as well as Zulu's attorney, Gabe Banks, to confirm if it was indeed from that night and if it was by chance missing any portions.

In an email, Banks wrote, "Based upon the information that I have to date, the video footage in the link you provided via email is accurate."

In a statement to 11Alive, Banks claimed the shooting was in self-defense after his client was attacked.

RELATED: Longtime Atlanta music executive and manager of rapper Ludacris facing murder charges, police say

"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," the statement read. "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."

In the press conference Thursday, Banks along with other members of Zulu's legal team reinstated the reading of the footage, and alleged that Atlanta police charged the music manger without interviewing key witnesses at the scene.

Also in attendance were members of Zulu's family, including his sister who added that her brother had to "fight for his life," adding that "the amount of blood he had to receive [at the hospital] was nearly twice the circulating volume of a man his size."

Zulu himself was also in attendance but did not speak during the conference. 

Zulu is best known as manager to hip-hop artist Ludacris. His label, Disturbing Tha Peace Records, now a subsidiary of Def Jam, has represented artists including Chingy, Bobby Valentino, Young Jeezy, Swizz Beatz, Big K.R.I.T. and Childish Major.

You can watch the full press conference on 11Alive.com or the 11Alive YouTube channel.

RELATED: Chaka Zulu, longtime Atlanta music exec and Ludacris' manager, shot overnight in Buckhead

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