“Rasta’s Presley Tribute: Art or Insult?”

“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

• 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

• Some dismiss Rasta’s portraits as unrecognizable, fueling criticism.

• 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?

1. Rasta remains undeterred. Despite criticism, he continues attending funerals and creating portraits as a heartfelt tribute, not for fame.

2. The public response is split. Some question the likeness; others appreciate the sentiment of honouring legends.

3. 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!