“My grandparents used to ask me when I was getting married,” he laughs. “Even with my parents, I always felt that pressure not to disappoint them.”

Loyalty is a trait he shares with Muzi. “I’m very loyal and dedicated,” he says. But when it comes to ambition, he has taken a different path.

While Muzi is relentless in his pursuit of becoming CEO, Nay Maps’ defining moment came when he had to gather the courage to tell his parents he was leaving his studies to pursue acting and filmmaking. “That was my big leap,” he admits.

In Perfect Match, Muzi is caught between love and career. But in real life, Nay Maps is clear about his biggest motivator: “Family and love.”

His views on relationships are equally grounded. He believes love should be effortless but also push people to grow. “A good relationship should challenge you to be better,” he says. And while he has a “type,” it’s not just about looks.

“I want an open-minded, God-fearing woman who is thoughtful, caring, loving, giving, and understanding. She needs to be my best friend,” he says, before adding with a grin, “And of course, she has to be absolutely gorgeous and hot.”

When it comes to love, he sees it as both destiny and choice. “I do believe in soulmates, but choice and effort play the biggest role.”

Spoiler alert

With its mix of romance, drama, and humour, Perfect Match stands out in the romcom genre. “It has twists and turns that other romcoms don’t,” he teases. His favourite scene is “when Anele forces her way into sleeping on the same bed as Muzi—and Muzi is not having it,” he laughs.

And for those wondering what goes on behind the scenes, he reveals an insider secret: “We can spend an entire day shooting a scene that lasts only a few seconds on screen.”

Fast Facts: Nay Maps Unfiltered

Home language: Zulu

Siblings: 2

Place of birth: Pretoria

Favourite music genre: Soul, R&B

Favourite season: Summer

Ultimate comfort meal: Quinoa or dombolo with oxtail or lamb stew

Best advice received: “Never think more highly of yourself than you ought to. We are all God’s people, and no one is better than the other.”

City guy or quiet life? “I love the city, but I prefer it quiet. I love my peace.”

How he unwinds: “Spending time with family or chilling at the beach.”

As Perfect Match hits screens, Nay Maps continues to prove he’s more than just a familiar face. Whether in acting, music, or personal growth, he’s constantly evolving—and South Africa is watching.