Latest news with #Rasta
The South African
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The South African
'Who the hell is that?': Rasta's Presley Chweneyagae portrait irks public
Rasta has done it again with another celebrity portrait that has left South Africans fuming. The Zimbabwean artist, Lebani Sirenje, unveiled his portrait of the late Presley Chweneyagae at his funeral on Saturday, 7 June. The service for he late actor took place at the Akasia Community Hall in Pretoria. On X, images of Rasta's painting of Presley Chweneyagae at the actor's funeral service had social media users up in arms. In the art picture, the painter shared his likeness of the Cobrizi star. In a second portrait, Rasta recreated the poster for Tsotsi, the 2004 feature film which gave Presley his breakout role. However, South Africans were not remotely convinced that the man in either of the portraits was the late screen star. X user @tlhonolo_ posted: 'Who the hell is that supposed to be?' Some were even angered by Rasta's attempt at creating Presley Chweneyagae's image. Another X user, @KkKakaza, added, 'Someone close to Rasta must tell him to hand himself over to the nearest police station. KZN SAPS is looking for him.' In 2023, the then Minister of Sport, Art, and Culture, Zizi Kodwa, sternly warned Rasta over his portrait of the late singer Zahara. In one viral pic posted on X, the minister was seen chatting to Rasta. Like the portrait of Presley Chweneyagae, Rasta's painting of Zahara went down in flames on social media. Images via X: @lesufipanyaza Gauteng Premier Penyaza Lesufi posted on X at the time: 'The Minister @zizikodwa is seriously engaging Rasta on the sidelines about his drawings of Zahara.' Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 . Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp , Facebook , X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The South African
Rasta faces fresh backlash over controversial new portrait of Presley Chweneyagae
Controversial Zimbabwean-born portrait artist Lebani Sirenje, famously known as Rasta, is back in the spotlight, and so is the criticism. This time, the target of his brush is the late actor Presley Chweneyagae, best known for his lead role in Tsotsi. Rasta unveiled the painting of Chweneyagae this week, and while some praised his effort, many social media users found the piece unrecognisable. ' Whether you love or question his work, one thing's for sure- Rasta shows up to honour our legends,' posted Tinashe Eugene Mushanguri on Facebook. 'Who is this supposed to be?' asked one user on Facebook, referring to the painting. He joked, 'Rasta has to be stopped. Seriously, we need a petition.' This isn't Rasta's first run-in with public scrutiny. Over the years, Rasta painted countless public figures, often at funerals or memorials, and each time, Mzansi has something to say. From Winnie Madikizela-Mandela to Oliver Mtukudzi, his art tends to trend, sometimes for the wrong reasons. But Rasta has always stood by his work. As the Presley portrait continues to trend, one thing is clear: Rasta's work, however it's received, has become part of South Africa's cultural fabric. Chweneyagae, affectionately known to many as 'Cobrizi' or 'Mokwepa,' passed away last week at his home in the city. He was 40. Chweneyagae rose to fame for his powerful performance in Tsotsi , the gritty South African drama that went on to win the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film in 2006. You've probably seen a Rasta painting. But before all that, he was just a kid in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, born in 1977, drawing whatever caught his eye. He started sketching around age seven and never really looked back. No art degree, no formal training, just years of practice. More than ten years ago, he crossed the border into South Africa, like a lot of Zimbabweans trying to find something more. That's when he went pro. These days, he's known for painting portraits of famous people, mostly after they die, and like it or not, his work always gets a reaction. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
Black America Web
09-05-2025
- Health
- Black America Web
What Exactly Did Bob Marley Die From?
Black America Web Featured Video CLOSE Source: Graham Wiltshire / Getty Bob Marley was more than just a musician—he was a cultural icon whose voice became synonymous with resistance, peace, and the pursuit of justice. Through timeless hits like 'One Love,' 'Redemption Song,' and 'Get Up, Stand Up,' the Jamaican singer-songwriter used his music to unite people across continents and inspire generations to rise against oppression and embrace love. His distinct blend of reggae, rock, and spirituality carved a new path for protest music, and his messages of equality and human rights continue to echo decades after his death. Born in the small village of Nine Mile in Jamaica, Marley rose from humble beginnings to become one of the most influential artists of the 20th century. His powerful lyrics and magnetic stage presence earned him worldwide acclaim and turned reggae into a global phenomenon. But just as Marley was reaching the pinnacle of his career, tragedy struck. According to People, Marley had just performed a two-night show at Madison Square Garden with his band, The Wailers, and was touring nonstop, before a seizure would change the trajectory of his career. While playing soccer with friends in Central Park, Marley had a seizure which ultimately helped doctors discover his acral lentiginous melanoma, a rare skin cancer that appears on the palms of the hands, the soles of the feet, or under the nails. Cases of acral lentiginous melanoma make up just 2%–3% of U.S. melanoma cases—about 2,000 cases overall, according to Hopkins Bloomberg Public Health Magazine. By the time doctors discovered Marley's cancer, it had tragically spread all across his body. Notably, the singer and activist was notified about his condition before the cancer spread. People noted that the Jamaican superstar was diagnosed with the condition before his seizure after he paid a visit to the doctor to treat a lesion under his toe on his right foot. Marley was under the impression that the lesion developed due to a soccer injury, 'but an opinion from a second doctor who biopsied the spot revealed that it was cancer.' Doctors recommended amputating the infected toe, but Marley wanted to go a different route. The singer had the nail and some of the impacted tissue from the area removed for a skin graft, but that wasn't enough to fight off his cancer. Marley went years without medical treatment following the surgery, which led to even more damage. In 1980, the singer was given only a few months to live after his cancer spread to his brain, lungs and organs, but he remained hopeful that his health would rebound. 'Him say, 'Listen, we're gonna fight it, all right? Regardless of what the doctors might say or what they might do, we're gonna fight it. 'Cause a Rasta never give up,'' the superstar's physician, Dr. Carlton 'Pee Wee' Fraser revealed in 2012's Marley . Source: Watal Asanuma/Shinko Music / Getty Following his final performance in Pittsburgh, Marley passed away on May 11, 1981, in Miami at just 36 years old. Though his life was tragically cut short, his influence only grew stronger in the years that followed. In 1994, Marley was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, a recognition of the indelible mark he left on global music and culture, according to his website. His impact was further cemented in December 1999, when Time Magazine named his 1977 album Exodus the Album of the Century, while the BBC honored his anthem 'One Love' as the Song of the Millennium. Marley's popularity is reflected in the ongoing success of Legend , the greatest hits compilation released in 1984. According to Nielsen SoundScan, the album has consistently sold more than 250,000 copies each year and ranks among a rare group, only the 17th album to surpass 10 million in U.S. sales since SoundScan began tracking in 1991. Though he was never nominated for a Grammy during his lifetime, Marley received the Recording Academy's Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2001. This prestigious honor is awarded to artists who have made lasting contributions of artistic significance to the recording industry. That same year, the documentary Rebel Music , directed by Jeremy Marre and chronicling Marley's life and career, received a Grammy nomination for Best Long Form Music Video. Also in 2001, Marley's legacy was commemorated in Hollywood, where he was awarded the 2,171st star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. He joined the ranks of other music legends such as Carlos Santana, Stevie Wonder, and The Temptations. In 2006, Marley's presence was further honored in Brooklyn, New York—home to one of the largest Caribbean communities in the United States—when an eight-block stretch of Church Avenue was officially renamed Bob Marley Boulevard. The tribute was made possible through the efforts of New York City Councilwoman Yvette D. Clarke, highlighting how deeply Marley's message continues to impact communities far from his Jamaican roots. SEE ALSO: Watch Bob Marley's Final Trip To Africa To Perform Live In Zimbabwe 'Bob Marley: One Love' Review: A Legendary Life Told In Cinematic Cliff Notes SEE ALSO What Exactly Did Bob Marley Die From? was originally published on
Daily Mail
22-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Peter Andre accused of 'posing in modern blackface' after taking on Jamaican gangster role in 'profoundly disrespectful' new film
Peter Andre has been accused of 'posing in modern blackface' after playing a Jamaican gangster in a 'profoundly disrespectful' new film. The Mysterious Girl singer, 52, stars as lead character Gary Buckle in crime-comedy, Jafaican, which is set for release later this year. In the film, Gary is tasked with mastering a Caribbean accent and culture in order to pose as a Jamaican crime lord and pull of a heist to pay for his grandma's care. The Australian actor faced a large backlash after the trailer was released, which sees him don a dreadlock wig and attempt to speak in patois. Now, it's been reported that a Caribbean filmmaker reached out to complain to Gold Coast Film Festival (GCFF) - who is hosting the premiere - to make an official complaint about the film. However, GCFF is said to have defended the movie, citing Peter's hit 1995 song Mysterious Girl which they said had 'strong reggae influences.' The complaint is said to brand Peter's role in the film as 'an appalling act of modern blackface and a shameful display of cultural mockery masquerading as comedy.' The Voice claims that the complainant - who has remained anonymous - went on to brand the film a 'modern-day minstrel show, a deeply xenophobic mockery of Caribbean identity. The cosplaying of Rasta identity, complete with dreadlocks, is profoundly disrespectful.' They added that reducing the Rasta culture to a 'comedic prop' was in fact a 'grotesque insult'. GCFF are claimed to have responded: 'Peter Andre has a long history of music collaboration with Jamaican musicians… and co-stars with prominent Caribbean musician Sizzla in the film. 'The film is set out to showcase Jamaican culture not to mock it.' MailOnline has contacted GCFF and Peter's representatives for comment. Peter promoted the film on X/Twitter last week but deleted the post after fan backlash. Tweets read: 'Peter Andre starring as the lead character of a film called JAFAICAN where he's pretending to be a Jamaican and wearing a dreadlock wig is not something I was expecting to see in the year of our Lord 2025 but here we are...'; 'There's a movie coming out with Peter Andre in a dreadlock wig pretending to be Jamaican. Is this really what we're doing in 2025?'; Peter has even deleted his Tweet sharing the trailer, prompting one fan to question whether this means the movie will be pulled Taking to Twitter to express their uproar fans asked: 'Did I wake up in 1998?' 'Pardon me? A film, starring Peter Andre, as a JAMAICAN man, is due for release shortly. What is this utter f***ery and whooooo thought it was ok to sign this off in the year 2025, please?'; 'Why on earth has YouTube just recommended me a trailer for a film starring Peter Andre about a man posing as a fake Jamaican? Did I wake up in 1998?'; 'This is actually so gross and I don't know why Jamaica is always everybody's punchline. Wishing the worst for everyone involved especially you Peter Andre'; 'Just saw the trailer for @MrPeterAndre new film disrespecting Rastafari - a religion in Jamaica - and mocking Jamaican culture in general, guess what he plays - a white Jamaican criminal. 'I want to know why these people don't find stereotypes about their own culture to film'; 'Who tf signed this off in 2025???? Nobody needs Peter Andre in fake dreads, pretending to be Jamaican'; 'Sorry a film where Peter Andre has to pose as a Jamaican gangster to pay for his Grans care home. It might just be peak art'. One fan noticed Peter had deleted his tweet in light of the backlash as they asked: 'So Peter Andre deleted his tweet, does that mean Jafaican is being scrapped?' However the trailer didn't receive all negative comments after other fans shared their excitement ahead of the films release. Peter first shared the trailer on his Instagram over the weekend as he announced: 'The OFFICIAL trailer for JAFAICAN has just dropped! Coming to cinemas soon….' Peter first shared the trailer on his Instagram over the weekend as he announced: 'The OFFICIAL trailer for JAFAICAN has just dropped! Coming to cinemas soon….' The trailer didn't receive all negative comments after other fans shared their excitement ahead of the films release Revealing his upcoming promo work for the film he confirmed the world premiere will be at the Gold Coast Film Festival on May 9 and he teased that news on a UK premiere would be coming soon. Excited fans penned: 'Peter that looks amazing can't wait to see this brilliant'; 'Oh yes!!!! looking forward to this @peterandre can't wait'; 'I wish I could have watched this being filmed'; 'Omg so gassed'. Meanwhile his son Junior added: 'Been waiting too long for this!!! Can't wait!!' The controversial film comes just a month after Peter blasted Disney's woke live-action Snow White for 'putting people out of work' after the film replaced dwarf actors with CGI. Wading into the topical debate surrounding he film in his New Magazine column, insisting: 'I think it's important to leave classic films as they were'. Back in 2023, the film was delayed for a major overhaul after negative reception to the film having seven 'magical (non-dwarf) creatures'. Instead, the seven dwarves were replaced through the use of CGI. Peter wrote: 'Disney has been involved in a bit of controversy over its new version of Snow White for things like using CGI for the 'magical creatures' instead of the original seven dwarfs. 'It's important to remember that the original stories and films were very much of their time and, yes, there are definitely things that don't sit comfortably with today's audiences. 'I think it's important to leave classic films as they were. New films can be as diverse as ever, but recreating classics and putting actors out of working for CGI is not the solution.'
The Guardian
15-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
‘His delivery cut through class barriers': Moby, Mala and other musicians on working with Benjamin Zephaniah
Tuesday marks the 67th birthday of the late Benjamin Zephaniah – revolutionary poet, playwright, musician and fearless voice for social justice – following the inaugural Benjamin Zephaniah Day held over the weekend at Brunel University. But while he is widely celebrated for his work in literature and activism, Zephaniah's influence on music remains relatively overlooked. Emerging from the dub poetry scene, Zephaniah channelled personal experiences of systemic racism and state violence into intelligent spoken word. Albums such as Rasta combined politically charged poetry with dub rhythms and studio effects, laying the cultural groundwork for UK genres such as trip-hop, jungle and dubstep. We revisit his unique collaborations in electronic music, hearing from the artists who had the honour of working with him. Zephaniah's Rastafari-inspired wisdom, Natty's roots-infused minimalism and Mala's DMZ-era dubstep combine to raise the consciousness vibration in Word & Sound – an uplifting, intergenerational union years in the making. 'Benjamin was like an older brother to me, we were sometimes on the phone for hours,' Natty says. 'So when I asked him to be part of a project I was doing, he wrote his verse immediately.' They recorded at Akala's Ladbroke Grove studio in London then spent hours listening to Zephaniah's stories – including his rightous refusal of an MBE. Natty says the vocals were meant for the track Badman (Rastafari mix), but when Mala reached out, the dubstep producer was sent them instead. 'Working with such powerful voices was something else,' says Mala. 'Their words guided my creative process. Benjamin's verse is a reminder to stay true and keep growing in heart and spirit. Rest in peace, sir, we salute you.' Natty continues to include the track in his live sets in memory of his friend. 'Whenever we met, we'd sometimes spar, as we both studied martial arts. I remember how strong he was, which made his passing even harder to accept. He was just a down-to-earth, brilliant human being. I'm so grateful to have known and learned from him.' Born-and-bred Brummies Kofi Stone and Zephaniah are a force to be reckoned with in this collaboration – one of Zephaniah's last, recorded in summer 2023. He steps into the resilient role of mentor in this ambient electronic-infused hip-hop track, as Stone reflects on growing up in Birmingham and navigating poverty and racism. 'It was truly an experience I'll never forget,' Stone says. Ahead of the recording, Stone met Zephaniah outside the Birmingham Hippodrome, where he was narrating the Peaky Blinders ballet. 'Before the show, we spoke at length about family, music and the state of the world,' recalls Stone. 'He later drove us to the studio and recorded his verse in just a few takes. The whole process was surreal and beautiful.' The video to the track was produced months later. 'Benjamin was actually quite unwell at the time,' says Stone, 'but he was determined to make the shoot. We filmed his scene on a rooftop car park in Birmingham's Chinatown.' That was [another] day I'll never forget.' Zephaniah joined Bomb the Bass and Sinéad O'Connor to deliver a critique of colonialism in this trip-hop-influenced production, imagining a life-sucking vampire as a metaphor for empire. Tim Simenon, AKA Bomb the Bass, says: 'I remember smoking a lot of weed with Sinéad while recording Empire. She sang the lead vocal in one take, then added harmonies and backing vocals.' Simenon instinctively knew that Zephaniah's voice would contrast powerfully. 'He was such a warm, open guy. We spent a long day in the studio, bouncing ideas around until we landed on the spacious delivery we recorded. He gave the final mix an approving head nod – he was super pleased with the result. We mostly spoke about music, especially dub. We shared a love for Big Youth, Lee 'Scratch' Perry and On-U Sound.' I Have a Dream pairs Zephaniah's cheeky twist on Martin Luther King's iconic speech with atmospheric dub techno. It's one of two tracks featuring him on Luke Slater's LB Dub Corp album Unknown Origin, the other being Take a Ride. 'When I reached out about combining a track with his poem I Have a Scheme, he was up for it straight away,' Slater says. 'We somehow ended up debating vegan food in China.' Reflecting on their final exchange, Slater said: 'Benjamin had just received the album copies I sent and told me he played the track for his students. I was humbled. I miss him in this dimension, but his words live on.' He had intended to ask him to collaborate a second time. 'Then a week later he was gone. He left too soon. His words always carried a message – not always comfortable, never bland. His delivery cut through class barriers and reached people from all walks of life.' The duo Swayzak captured Zephaniah's rebellious spirit in this unapologetically anarchic track. 'Working with Benjamin was an unexpected delight,' says James S Taylor. 'There was no ego, no pressure, just good vibes.' The collaboration quickly grew into a friendship. 'We talked deeply about politics and the British empire,' David Brown says. 'The Brummie West Indian poet – quite a person to have in one's life.' A 2024 'redraft' of Zephaniah's 1999 poem Illegal was released under the title Do Something Illegal as a tribute to Zephaniah under Brown's ambient alias, the Eightsome Reel. The track ends with the sound of heavy rain, recorded the day Brown learned of Zephaniah's death. 'It hit me hard – I was in East Kilbride when I heard, a place where he once lived.' Released in June 2024 as part of his album, Always Centered at Night, Moby's Where Is Your Pride? is a tribute to Zephaniah. He says: 'As a vegan activist and as a wise and compassionate man, Benjamin inspired me for many years. I hope Where Is Your Pride? honours his legacy and also draws people's attention to his life, work and principles.'
