Rasta the Artist in trouble after his recent portrait of actress Shaleen Surtie-Richards

Dennis TJune 15, 2021

74 2 minutes read

Controversial celebrity painter Lebani Sirenje aka Rasta the Artist has left the TL up in arms after sharing his tribute to the late veteran actress Shaleen Surtie-Richards.

The actress died last week aged 66. Mzansi has honoured Shaleen’s career and life in various ways and paid homage to her talent.

Well known for his portraits of Mzansi’s rich and famous, Rasta also paid tribute to the late actress in the form of a portrait of her.

“One of SA’s best actress and TV star [sic]. RIP Shaleen. Thank you for your contribution in art,” said Rasta.

One of South Africa’s best actress and TV star

RIP Shaleen. Thank you for your contribution in art 🙏🏽 pic.twitter.com/pzS0z5S27w

— Rasta The Artist (@RastaArtist) June 14, 2021

And, as expected with Rasta, people were left fuming.

Claiming that the painting has little or no resemblance to the Fiela Se Kind actress, many accused the artist of purposefully painting another person’s face.

Here are some of the responses:

According to bhut Rasta this is Shaleen😏 pic.twitter.com/fy4XYGPmuF

— Jbulelwa (@Jbulelwa1) June 14, 2021

Surely you are doing this intentionally, there is no way you keep getting worse 🙄 https://t.co/tzShBR5e53

— Click (@Unreal_Unseen) June 14, 2021

Rasta i give up , picture is there right in front of you but you decided to draw something else 🤷🏽‍♀️🤷🏽‍♀️🤷🏽‍♀️🤷🏽‍♀️ ! https://t.co/Nf241Iva4c

— Mrs-Mopedipedi🇿🇦 (@sepedirock) June 14, 2021

According to Rasta this is Shaleen Surtie Richards. pic.twitter.com/itVh74TJV4

— Man’s NOT Barry Roux  (@AdvoBarryRoux) June 14, 2021

Disrespecting legacies for clout.. This is what this kak is. https://t.co/yuicN0dz5f

— The Meat Tree (@Da_Me_3) June 14, 2021

Shaleen’s death left many in Mzansi absolutely devastated.

The actress was found dead in a guest house in Cape Town on June 7 where she was staying during the filming of the TV series Arendsvlei.

On Sunday, Shaleen was buried at Durbanville Memorial Park in Cape Town surrounded by family and friends.

President Cyril Ramaphosa approved the request for Shaleen to be honoured with a category 2 special provincial funeral.

Family spokesperson Alistair Isobell said the family had decided to request the provincial send-off due to the important role Shaleen played in the coloured community and creative industry as a whole.

“We believe that Shaleen has been an advocate, ambassador and a voice for the coloured community throughout SA as to what can be accomplished, as well as an inspiration to many aspiring actresses, including being instrumental in ensuring that the young female coloured community know that any and all goals can be reached through dedication and hard work,” he said in a statement.

-TL