Rasta gets criticised for disrespecting the dead in recent Mpho painting

by Sergio Miller

Known for his portraits of some of the country’s most influential media and sports personalities, renowned creative Lebani Sirenje better known as Rasta the Artist has built himself a solid reputation of knowing how to get tongues wagging.

While many often find humour in his failed art attempts, his most recent painting of the deceased actor Mpho Sebeng has left a bitter taste in the mouths of the South African public.

The 2018 Safta nominee tragically lost his life in a car accident in Potchefstroom in the early hours of the morning on Sunday 5th May.

At only 31 years old, Mpho featured in multiple productions after first making his television debut in the SABC drama series, Justice for All and Zero Tolerance, he later also had roles in The Queen, Savage Beauty and playing alongside Jennifer Hudson and Terrence Howard in the biopic film, Winnie.

This past weekend friends and family laid him to rest in what was an emotional funeral service, leaving many mourning his untimely passing.

Taking to his Instagram page, Rasta shared a picture of his portrait dedicated to the young actor, captioning: “Rest in peace Mpho Sebeng. Till we meet again my young legend.”

With gossip blogger MDNews reposting the artwork on X (formerly Twitter), many were unimpressed with Rasta’s work.

Some believed that he purposely created disaster paintings for attention.

Meanwhile, others felt that it was disrespectful.

Also see: Internet impressed with Rasta’s recent Leleti Khumalo painting