With a music producer on the witness stand, the trial against rapper Bushido’s former business partner continued after a summer break. The 44-year-old said on Wednesday before the Berlin district court about the main defendant that he was “protector, image giver, mentor and big brother” for Bushido.
Bushido, with whom he had close business and private ties at the time, pushed for a collaboration with Arafat Abou-Chaker. The witness went on to say that, from his point of view, the man from the clan milieu “was worth his money”.
The music producer and Bushido founded a music label together in 2004. Arafat Abou-Chaker “involved, committed, clarified things fairly,” said the witness. He felt that Abou-Chaker and the rapper were equal business partners – “Bushido knew that you could rely on the man”. The presiding judge said to the witness: “You’re almost singing a hymn of praise to Arafat Abou-Chaker.” The witness replied: “I haven’t experienced anything bad.”
The Berlin clan leader and the Berlin musician initially celebrated joint successes, which was followed by a year-long dispute that has also occupied the criminal justice system for years. The trial before the district court has been running since August 17, 2020. Bushido, whose real name is Anis Mohamed Ferchichi, is a joint plaintiff and witness in the proceedings.
Most of the allegations are based on statements made by the 43-year-old musician. The charges against Arafat Abou-Chaker (46) and three of his brothers include deprivation of liberty, attempted severe extortion, coercion, dangerous bodily harm, insult and infidelity. The brothers, who come to the trial as free men, have so far remained silent on the allegations.
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The witness further said that he left the label founded with Bushido in 2013. “About three years ago, Bushido canceled my friendship – on the grounds that I still had contact with Arafat Abou-Chaker” From his point of view, the rapper “always looks for his advantage”. He could not say much about the separation phase of the two former partners. Bushido said nothing to him about alleged fisticuffs and demands for money, which according to the indictment are said to have occurred.
