Rasta's Portrait of Presley Chweneyagae at Funeral Draws Mixed Reactions from Mourners |
| Rasta pays tribute to Presley Chwebeyagae at Akasia Community Hall in Pretoria.nl image shared by him on Instagram |
As tributes poured in for the late South African actor Presley Chweneyagae, artist Lebani “Rasta” Sirenje once again made headlines with a controversial portrait unveiled during the actor’s funeral service on June 7 at Akasia Community Hall in Pretoria.
Chweneyagae, best known for his breakout role in the Oscar-winning film Tsotsi and his performance in The River and its spin-off Cobrizi, passed away on May 27 at age 40 due to respiratory complications. His death prompted an outpouring of grief from fans, colleagues, and the entertainment industry.
 |
| Image shared by Rasta via his socials |
As has become his tradition, Rasta arrived at the funeral to paint a live tribute portrait of the late star. Known for his expressive and unconventional style, Rasta also recreated a version of the Tsotsi movie poster to honour the actor’s legacy.
But while his presence was praised by some for his consistency in honouring public figures, the actual portrait drew swift and widespread criticism on social media. Many questioned whether the image bore any resemblance to Presley at all.
“Who is that even supposed to be?” one user asked.
“This is getting disrespectful now,” wrote another.
Memes, jokes, and even mock petitions calling for Rasta to stop painting circulated within hours.
Still, others defended him, noting his commitment to showing up and paying tribute, even when others do not.
“Whether you love or question his work, one thing’s for sure Rasta shows up to honour our legends,” a Facebook user commented.
Born in Mahikeng in 1984, Presley became a household name with his powerful performance in Tsotsi at just 21 years old. His work in television and film was known for its emotional intensity and social impact.
A series of memorial services were held in his honour:
- Mahikeng Memorial – June 3
- State Theatre Celebration – June 5
- Final Funeral Service – June 7 in Pretoria
Friends, family, and fans remembered Presley as a passionate actor, father, and advocate for the arts.
Rasta has long been a polarising figure in South African pop culture. His portraits of national icons from Zahara to Winnie Mandela often stir online debates. Supporters admire his emotional intent, while critics demand more accuracy when memorialising public figures.
Art critics argue that Rasta’s impressionistic style is more about capturing presence and emotion, rather than photographic precision. Yet, in moments of national mourning, many expect visual tributes to reflect not just feeling, but also familiarity.
0 Comments