'He is my hero!' — Rasta strikes again with Arthur Mafokate portrait

03 October 2023 - 18:00
subscribe Just R20 for the first month. Support independent journalism by subscribing to our digital news package.
Subscribe now
Lebani 'Rasta' Sirenje honours Arthur Mafokate.
Lebani 'Rasta' Sirenje honours Arthur Mafokate.
Image: Instagram/ Rasta

After Arthur Mafokate's return with his A Night With Legends (ANWL) concert at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand on September 30, Rasta honoured him with a portrait.

This year’s line-up saw Kwaito group Boom Shaka, R&B trio Jamali, hip-hop group Skwatta Kamp, Trompies and Bongo Maffin among others, and other musicians who have defined generations of music perform. 

At the event, Rasta, real name Lebani Sirenje, presented Arthur with a portrait for his constant support of icons and trailblazers in the entertainment industry. 

“Mafokate is the king and president of kwaito. He is a kwaito ancestor and guru. I'm glad I was part of the Legends night and enjoyed the old unique music. I felt like a legend too just by being there,” the Zimbabwean-born artist told TshisaLIVE.

“I remember the early 90s when I was a teen he released his song Yehlisani Umoya. I was still in Zim. We danced to the song. Little did I know that the song really spoke about apartheid. He was brave to release such songs under that apartheid era.”

Rasta recalls his first encounter with Arthur two years ago at the Amapiano Awards at the Sandton Convention Centre and how he always embraced him.  

“His advice when I met him was to say that I am a legend and that I am loved. He said I should continue doing my work and not look back.”

Rasta first gained popularity painting portraits of renowned people who were deceased but says he has expanded his brand to honour living legends too. 

“As I honour legends, I thought to myself that I cannot only paint people when they have passed away. A legend has to be honoured while they're still alive. Arthur paved the way for musicians in all genres in South Africa. He is my hero.”



subscribe Just R20 for the first month. Support independent journalism by subscribing to our digital news package.
Subscribe now

Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.

Speech Bubbles

Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.