Lebani Sirejenje popularly known as Rasta The Artist has been flooded with negative online comments for his latest work.
Rasta, famous for his quirky paintings of celebrities, recently paid tribute to the legendary “Black Pather” actress and filmmaker, Connie Chuime, with five different portraits.
The artworks were showcased at Chiume’s funeral service on Thursday, August 15, at the Oasis of Life Family Church in Daveyton.
One of the portraits has sent social media users into a frenzy because they feel that it does not reflect Chiume but looked more like the artist himself.
The angry netizens are calling for Rasta to be stopped with some even suggesting that he retire from his craft.
“Rasta should really take an early retirement, ngeke phela,” wrote @Nkosi_Shebi.
Rasta should really take an early retirement, ngeke phela.
— Nonduku👑 (@Nkosi_Shebi) August 18, 2024
Another X user said: “That’s he’s own self portrait, Rasta must be stopped.”
That’s he’s own self portrait, Rasta must be stopped pic.twitter.com/GjidNfpbxG
— 🎙Tebogo Koma🎙 (@TheGeopol) August 18, 2024
@th3_pizza_guy jokingly commented: “After all these years ..you'd think he get better ...hasi Rasta 😭😭🤣🤣.”
After all these years ..you'd think he get better ...hasi Rasta 😭😭🤣🤣
According to a post on Instagram, the artist said that he had worked with two young artists whom he referred to as Luvuno and Ntokozo, to complete the five portraits.
Along with pictures of the paintings, he wrote: “Rest in Power Mama Connie Chiume you played your role till the end may you rest well🕊️.. Painted 5 portraits in honour and had to work with Luvuno Grade 9 and Ntokozo young Artist.. We paid our tribute🙏🏽🕊️🕊️🕊️.”
Rasta is no stranger to honouring fallen South African celebrities.
His work includes paintings of singer and songwriter Bulelwa Mkutukana, popularly known as Zahara, rapper and dancer Costa Titch, music producer Mampintsha, rapper Kiernan “AKA” Forbes, Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi, Raymond Ackerman, the founder of Pick n Pay, and actor Patrick Ndlovu.