South Africans have come to know and love local artist Rasta — real name Lebani Thaka David Sirenje. He has made a name for himself as one of the country’s most popular artists with his unique portraits of the local rich and famous. This week the artist paid tribute to the newly crowned Miss South Africa, Natasha Joubert.

Needless to say, the portrait raised many eyebrows as locals struggled to appreciate his work. In the comment section, many argued that the person in the portrait looks nothing like the radiant Miss SA 2023.If there is one thing about Rasta, it’s that he never allows critics to deter him from painting those he deems worthy of his paint and canvases.

In the past, he has been ridiculed for some of his paintings and yet he continues to put his paint brushes to work.This wouldn’t be the first time his work received a thumbs down. Last month Rasta painted the viral Albany Bread girl Lethuthukhanya Mjaji and became the nation’s laughing stock.

In a past interview with The South African, he made it clear that being mocked doesn’t bother him in the slightest.

“I have gained many fans over the years. I’m happy about it, it makes me feel I’m appreciated. When it comes to the critics, whether or not they like my art, it’s up to them,” he told a TSA reporter.