In the wake of recent allegations against vocalist Anaiah Rasheed Muhammad, LA's ZULU, has decided to hit pause and reassess the future of the project. Earlier this week, Muhammad took to his own platform to deny any wrongdoing and expressee that he was "fully prepared to defend myself against these claims and will cooperate with any necessary process to clear my name."
Last weekend, Muhammad was the subject of a series of allegations that include physical abuse, coercion, manipulation and more from a former partner. While Muhammad would issue a lengthy statement categorically denying the accusations, the future of ZULU was left in question as all parties involved reeled from the fallout.
Among developments in ZULU in the wake of the allegations, former drummer Don Brown confirmed on social media that his departure from the band was in solidarity with the alleged victim. Also, ZULU performed a show over the weekend while on tour in Brazil and rather than have Muhammad onstage, the band opted to perform with guitarist Dez Yousef at the helm instead.
Now, the remaining members of the band have issued a definitive statement on their stance, their relationship with Muhammad and the future of the project as a whole. Reiterating their support of victims of abuse of all kinds, the band has annoucned their split with vocalist Anaiah Rasheed Muhammad and has shared that ZULU is being put on the pause for the foreseeable future. Read the statement below.
“We are aware of the allegations brought forth against Anaiah. We stand in solidarity with all people who are victims of abuse, and condemn the mistreatment of those vulnerable in our communities. Our hearts go out to anyone who has experienced any form of physical or emotional abuse, assault, or any other act that has caused harm and taken their agency away from them.
Other members of Zulu have separated ourselves from Anaiah and will no longer be working with or performing with him in any capacity.
We want to acknowledge the allegations were never disclosed to us prior, and we were immediately concerned reading the detailed account. We were aware there were unresolved issues between the parties involved, but not the nature of the allegations. In regards to our previous drummer’s posts, while he was filling in on tour with us he did not disclose knowledge of these allegations other than what we understood to be issues surrounding their relationship. He ultimately did not play with us because of confusion over scheduling.
We understand that this has been extremely upsetting and disappointing to anyone who supported this band, it’s message and what it’s represented. Upon our return home we have withdrawn from scheduled performances and will be officially putting this project on pause.”
