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After painting the new Zulu monarch, Lebani “Rasta” Sirenje has added another historic portrait to his collection.
On Saturday, President Cyril Ramaphosa handed over the certificate of recognition to King Misuzulu kaZwelithini at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban.
Misuzulu is the first Zulu king to be formally recognized and supported by the government since the country’s independence in 1994, following the deaths of King Goodwill Zwelithini and Queen Mantfombi Dlamini in 2021.
The portrait was painted at the FNB Stadium during the Kaizer Chiefs vs. Orlando Pirates Soweto derby by the notorious Zimbabwean artist.
“Bayede King Misizulu coronation, painting at FNB Soweto derby. Painted live at Channel 161 Mzansi Magic Zulu royal coronation,” he captioned the post when sharing images from the event on his timeline.
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Rasta also created a portrait of the late Zulu King Goodwill Zwelithini.
Rasta was present to pay his condolences to the family when hundreds of people arrived to the KwaKhethomthandayo Palace in Nongoma in March 2021 after Zwelithini died from a Covid-19-related sickness.
According to the artist, he gave the picture to the royal family as a present.
Rasta stated that he had been threatened before leaving for the funeral, but that his artworks were his way of paying tribute to legends.