'Genesis' Star Nay Maps on Using Grief to Fuel His Acting and Music Career

• Television actor Nkosinathi 'Nay Maps' Maphalala has spoken out about how the grief of losing his father changed the way he approaches his art
• The Genesis star said the pain had fueled his acting and music career, shaping it into something more intense and meaningful
• Nay Maps lost his father in 2020, and then lost his grandfather and grandmother the following year, just one week apart. He had shared with Briefly News that impact his late dad had on his career

Actor and singer Nkosinathi 'Nay Maps' Maphalala is on a more meaningful path in his career. This was due to the immense loss he suffered in the past years.

What fuels Nay Maps' passion for the arts

According to Daily Sun, the Genesis lead actor said he has taken a different approach to his acting and singing, due to the heavy loss of his father.

Nay Maps lost his father in 2020, and then a year later, he lost his grandfather and grandmother, just one week apart from each other.

Taking to Instagram at the time, Maps said he was heartbroken following his grandmother's death.

"I don't know what's happening. But Grandma, It's only been a week since Granddad left. Now I see you decided to join him. You left same time and same day as he did last week."

He also penned a special message to his granddad after he passed away:

"I honour and celebrate you, and I will continue to do as you said and to uplift and inspire many through my life. I love you, Mkhulu. RIP Mkhulu - Grand Dad"

Nay Maps speaks on the great losses

Speaking to the news publication, Nay Maps said he uses the pain to enhance his craft.

"It has not been easy, but I am learning to use that grief and pain in my work to make it more passionate, more intense, and more meaningful," he was quoted saying.

Nay Maps said he and his father were very close, and he said:

"His death still lives with me every day. But instead of letting it break me, l have decided to let it strengthen me."

Maps said he used to drive his dad's car to attend 5 am auditions, showing how passionate he has always been. He plans to continue his great work of touching people's lives and making more great music.

After releasing Umoya Wasendulo, Nay Maps told Briefly News that his father played a significant role in honing his passion for music and finding his voice.

"My father was a musician, and I grew up in a musical family. He would make my sister and me sing at events and at church."

Umkhokha ends, SA rejoices

In a previous report from Briefly News, Mzansi Magic's hit telenovela Umkhokha: The Curse officially ended after two years. The final episode aired on Friday, 28 February 2025.

This hasty decision to can the show split viewers, with some saying the show won't be missed, while others are against the show ending.

Source: Briefly News