Popular South African based Zimbabwean funeral painter, Rasta (Lebani Sirenje), has spoken about his early life growing up in Bulawayo.
Rasta is known for drawing the portraits of famous deceased people such as Mandela, Desmond Tutu, ProKid and over 400 others.
The 39 year old artist told City Press newspaper that he was born in Killarney but grew up in Pumula East. He attended Ingwengwe Primary school and then Magwegwe Secondary school where learnt to paint.
In 1996, Rasta said he relocated to South Africa, where he worked in Restaurants for a few months.
He then started a construction company and employed other Zimbabweans doing various jobs such as painting, carpentry and tiling.
Rasta said he originally sold his art work at intersections before he found success at the Rosebank Sunday market and Bruma flea market.
Please read the full story in today’s City Press newspaper – 30 January 2021.
