Rapper Cremated In Phnom Penh

Rapper and former YoTV presenter Luther Yakanawa Cohen, known as (in South Africa) Crazy Lu (in Cambodia Parker Jones) died on 8 November

Crazy Lu first burst onto the entertainment scene when he hosted a popular kids programme X-Attitude, and he later became a member of rap group Jozi, with Bongani Fassie, Ishmael and Da Les.

The former TV personality died from an apparent asthma attack in Cambodia – where he has been residing for several years.

Speaking to Channel24 on Wednesday, Luther’s brother, Marvin Cohen said that the former TV personality was cremated in Cambodia on Tuesday during a Buddhist ceremony and the family will be returning to South Africa with his ashes on Thursday.

“The day following Luther’s death was a public holiday in Cambodia, which was followed by a three-day water festival. As a result, we had to push back our flights to 15 November as no business was conducted during the holiday period,” Marvin told Channel24.

When the family arrived on Saturday, 16 November, the temple where Luther’s body was being stored was closed until Monday, and documentation could only be processed on the weekday. 

“The process was a nightmare because the funeral home held his body hostage until they received their money. But the actual service and cremation went as well as these things can go,” Marvin explained.

According to the Cohen family, their flight to South Africa will depart on Wednesday night, and they will arrive, with Luther’s ashes, in the country on Thursday.

Memorial details to follow as it becomes available. CHANNEL24