Rasta faces backlash for poorly painted tributes

by Samantha Mochele

Rasta whose real name is Lebani Sirenje, is once again in the spotlight, but this time, online users feel that his poorly painted portraits are no longer funny. His recent works, a portrait of the late Connie Chiume, have drawn criticism online, with many expressing their frustration and disappointment, declaring, “It’s no longer funny.”

Rasta has gained popularity for his unique approach to honouring late celebrities through art. While his paintings were initially met with amusement but now the humour seems to have worn thin.

Among those who have weighed in is DJ and producer Shimza, one of the people Rasta has painted. When Shimza asked Rasta why he often gets the paintings wrong, Rasta responded, “This is what my eye sees, and that’s the art.”

Additionally, Rasta’s portrait of South African singer Zahara has also received a flood of negative responses online.

Taking to X, Kaya News shared a video featuring Rasta and three other painters working on the portraits.

Taking to the comments, fans and followers who once found his work humorous are now voicing their disapproval, suggesting that the painter’s approach may have overstayed its welcome.

One user said:

Another one added:

Another user said:

Also see: Rasta takes aim at painting newly elected Minister, Gayton McKenzie