An introverted storyteller
THE ACTING INDUSTRY FINALLY TAKES NOTE OF MAPULA MAFOLE’S TALENT Her character in has made Mafole a household name.
Rhythm City
Though she has had a lot of roles in the small screen, Mapula Mafole is known and loved for the character she shares a name with, Mapula, in e.tv’s Rhythm City; a role most viewers of the soapie can confidently attest that she portrays flawlessly. Although she plays a school kid, looks and does the part more than justice, Mafole is in real life a 27-year-old young lady from the North West province.
She knew from the age of six that she wanted to be on TV, despite being shy and awkward as she claims to be.
“I’ve always imagined myself as a storyteller. We had a play at crèche, and though I only got a small role in that play, I gave it my best and made sure I made the audience laugh. This is when I knew I wanted to do this for a long time to come,” she remembered.
“My parents did worry about whether or not I will be stable and find a job, but eventually they understood my passion for this and allowed me to go to acting school. They gave me all the needed support, and for that I’m grateful.”
The talent says she doesn’t want to sound unappreciative and point out how hard she struggled with finding an acting job after studying; indicating that she was lucky enough to have her first audition while still in varsity. The auditions just kept coming after that. “I did a cameo role in Generations and then Rhythm City called me. So it was a fairly pleasant ride up to this point.”
She says she believes storytelling is a gift, and what helps her get acting jobs and do them justice is the fact that she tells the story genuinely.
“I totally love my role in Rhythm City. It’s an exciting role that is not often explored on television. A child headed household storyline is educational for viewers. It brings a serious issue closer to home for those watching, and allows people to sympathise and connect with Mapula,” she explained, adding that she tries to give her best with the character. “I allow her to be. I forget about me, and I become the character and feel the emotions. I live truly in that moment.”
The actress says while she is a huge fan of Mduduzi Mabaso, who portrays the role of Suffocate in the same soapie, she enjoys working with Ishmael Songo, who plays the role of Sabelo, her big brother.
“Our time as siblings, together with the two other kids we act with, is special. It feels like a true family.
“I believe that I wouldn’t be nominated for a South African Film and Television Award (Safta) this year if it wasn’t for them.
“Ishmael cares about what he puts on screen.”
Excited about the nomination, Mafole says she is honoured to be on the list of nominees for the Best Supporting Actress in a TV Soap/Telenovela award.
“The nomination is so important to me. It tells me that I’m on the right track and the industry is finally taking note of what I do. I couldn’t be happier at this point.” Mafole says although she would really love to win the award, she is not interested in being recognised as a celebrity.
“I’m quite shy, especially with people in the same industry as me. I just want to tell stories. I’m a very private person, but with storytelling I will give you my all.”
She says besides action, she loves nature, animals and babies, and keeps looking as young as she does thanks to exercise and her parents’ genes.