“Rasta’s Presley Tribute: Art or Insult?”
Tribute or Trouble? Rasta’s Portrait Ignites Debate
Zimbabwean-born artist Lebani “Rasta” Sirenje—famous for painting at celebrity funerals—unveiled a portrait of Presley Chweneyagae during his funeral service in Pretoria on June 7. Despite good intentions, the artwork sparked sharp reactions on social media.
On X/Twitter, some users bluntly reacted:
“Who the hell is that supposed to be?”
Others joked Rasta may need help:
“Rasta has to be stopped. Seriously, we need a petition.”
🕊️ Why He Paints: Honouring Legends Through Art
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Rasta is known for his emotional dedication—attending funerals no matter the distance or weather, then translating grief into art. He once shared:
“I do cry and then I put my emotions into my art.”
His work spans many icons—from Winnie Mandela and Zahara to Mbongeni Ngema, Connie Chiume, and Arthur Mafokate
Mixed Legacy: Loved and Loathed
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Some dismiss Rasta’s portraits as unrecognizable, fueling criticism.
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Others respect his commitment, noting:
“Whether you love or question his work, one thing’s for sure—Rasta always shows up to honour our legends,” shared Tinashe Eugene Mushanguri.
What Now?
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Rasta remains undeterred. Despite criticism, he continues attending funerals and creating portraits as a heartfelt tribute, not for fame.
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The public response is split. Some question the likeness; others appreciate the sentiment of honouring legends.
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The debate continues. This spotlight moment adds to the long-running conversation about how to best memorialize icons—through perfect resemblance or raw emotion.
✅ Final Takeaway
Rasta’s Isabella-style tribute at Presley’s funeral sparked both admiration and outrage—all part of his trademark legacy. His work forces us to ask: Is emotional sincerity more important than visual accuracy when honoring our heroes?
Let me know if you want a peek into his past tributes or how other communities reacted—it’s all fascinating!
