My alias Nay Maps means overwhelming prosperity and success. It’s a combination of my name and surname, Nkosinathi Maphalala, and their meanings. The name came way before the fame – I was speaking what I desired for myself into existence.
I’ve always had an interest in, and passion for, the arts. Back in high school,I auditioned for a musical and got the part even though I didn’t think much of it because I had viewed musicals as feminine. I was aware that the talent for music ran deep within my family, but the acting bug bit me thereafter.
My first TV commercial in2012 cemented my love affair with the arts. While on that 12-hour set, I knew that I wantedto tell stories as intricately and passionately as possible. Getting auditions was hard because I had no agency – they all didn’t want to affiliate themselves with me because I had no experience. This prompted me to knock on many doors all on my own.
