Zulu Part Ways with Vocalist Over Abuse Allegations
It’s been a rough go for hardcore outfit Zulu over the last week or so. Last weekend, their vocalist Anaiah Rasheed Muhammad was accused of abusing a former partner of his — a claim he vehemently denies. In the wake of those accusations, the band played their show in Brazil with guitarist Dez Yousef handling vocals, before canceling the remainder of their Latin America tour.
Well it turns out the band has made a final decision and opted to part ways with Muhammad and go on a hiatus. In a statement posted on their Instagram profile overnight, the band said they sided with the accusers. The band also explained the timeline of how they learned about Muhammad’s alleged misdeeds.
“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 Upon our return home we have withdrawn from scheduled performances and will be officially putting this project on pause.”
So there you have it. Zulu is on the backburner for now. Who knows what’s next for the band after the last few days they just experienced?
