Celebrity funeral artist lambasted over Akhumzi painting
Image: TshisaLIVE
Celebrity funeral artist Lebani Sirenje has come under fire once again‚ this time for his depiction of TV personality Akhumzi Jezile.
Lebani has become well-known for paying tribute to late political figures and well-known personalities through his canvas at their memorial or funeral services.
As pictures of Lebani's unfinished portrait of Akhumzi emerged on Twitter‚ fans harshly criticised him.
Fans ripped the portrait to shreds‚ saying it was not a true reflection of Akhumzi and did not do the 'larger than life' personality justice.
It has been an emotionally-charged afternoon as those close to Akhumzi gathered at the Rhema Bible Church in Randburg to celebrate his life.
This is not the first time that Lebani has faced fierce backlash over his paintings. Last month Lebani's depiction of Winnie Madikizela-Mandela also caused an outcry on social media.
Lebani has done portraits of former president Nelson Mandela‚ Albertina Sisulu‚ gospel stars Lundi Tyamara‚ Sfiso Ncwane and Mandoza‚ to name a few.
I'm a visual artist myself and theres no excuse of saying painting is hard thats not Akhumzi at all,dude must take his time to perfect this potrait.
— SV_McCutler (@SV_McTrap) May 3, 2018
#AkhumziJezileMemorial Akhumzi seems high on something kanti what's wrong with this painter? pic.twitter.com/LvWVGO7bbI
— Karabo_ST_Tsotetsi (@KaraboThae) May 3, 2018
When is the Ras gonna admit that he's just not cut out for this thing..... I agree this looks like Eugene from Trompies than #Akhumzi hai maan hei😂😂😂🚶🙆 https://t.co/Q3Pd8uvfGS
— The Oracle (@Khaswi_) May 3, 2018
That's not Akhumzi eh https://t.co/CitGcuSRsL
— D.Mash (@DewayneSwaggy) May 3, 2018
Why does Akhumzi look like Nelson Mandela here ? pic.twitter.com/VIEoXYwrNh
— † (@_Thato_N) May 3, 2018
Akhumzi‚ who was killed in a head-on collision along with Siyasanga Kobese‚ Thobani Mseleni and two others‚ will be laid to rest on Saturday at Westpark Cemetery after a funeral service at Rhema Bible Church in Randburg.
Friends and family shared their most precious and fondest memories of Akhumzi Jezile at a memorial held at the Rhema Bible Church, in Randburg, on Thursday May 3 2018.