Maps Maponyane

Presenter. Actor. Model. Voice-over artist. Entrepreneur. Philanthropist. And at the centre of it all – a man. This is Maps Maponyane’s Playbox, telling the story of a man who turned his greatest pain into his biggest success. A man who fought to find his voice; who built his legacy his own way. One word at a time.

In this introductory episode, Maps invites you to take your seat as he shares the story of his first-ever audition – and the defining moment that helped make him all that he is today!

What does it mean to find your voice? For the former Top Billing presenter, it was about more than simply learning how to speak – it was about finding rhythm, cadence, and confidence.

In this intimate episode, Maps Maponyane talks about what it was like to grow up with a severe stutter, what it took to overcome, and how reading out loud saved his life. Get set to be inspired!

Overcoming his stutter empowered the Tell Me Something actor to own his voice for the first time! Step into an episode rich with gifts, as Maps Maponyane shares learnings from his decades of experience.

Learn how to personify confidence, how to use your breath best, and how to leave adversity backstage by stepping into a new skin. From TV recording to a live audience, learn what it takes to get the job done – and done well!

If you had to ask Maps Maponyane about his superpower, he’ll tell you: it’s people! Intent always to make everyone around him feel seen, the GQ Magazine’s 2015 cover star teaches you how to influence the hearts and minds of others; and that being nice can make a bold and brave statement; and how finding the right people makes all the difference.

Working as a presenter may seem as if it’s all about the words – but for Maps Maponyane, it’s silence that can say so much more!

Revealing two of his all-time favourite orators, the GQ Cool 35 Guys Under 35 talks about how listening sits at the heart of human connection, and how silence can sometimes speak louder than words.

You’ve heard what he has to say – now see Maps Maponyane in action! In a Playbox Exclusive, Maps steps into a series of character setups, putting his words into action.

Watch as the multi-talented dynamo re-lives his first job as a presenter of a schoolboy rugby show; dive into the lap of luxury of an imaginary set for Top Billing; and learn how to charm the crowd as MC of a live event. Prepare to witness a presenter extraordinaire! Grab your popcorn, and your Playbook, and ENJOY!

Looking good has always been important to Maps Maponyane. And it’s the reason why the South African Style Award recipient keeps gracing the cover of GQ, Grazia Man, Fashion Times Weekly, and other top fashion magazines!

For Maps, clothes are the ‘beautiful armour’ that give him the confidence so he can step onto any stage – and own it! Learn how clothes lend credibility to your words, and the utmost importance of dressing to be heard.

Never one to ever sit idle, the one-man industry, Maps Maponyane, has always made a point of doing things his own way! Continually trying to diversify his skills and build an ecosystem of diversity, Maps works hard to prove he’s so much more than just his famous father’s son.

Learn about the importance of doing things your own way, and how the possibility of failure may be the very reason to give something a go! 

For the powerhouse performer, entrepreneur, and philanthropist, Maps Maponyane, it’s not good enough just to use your voice for work – you’ve got to use it for good!

In this closing episode, Maps speaks about the causes that are close to his heart, and how his interest in socio-economic issues has inspired him to invest his time, his energy, and his voice, into causes that impact and uplift the young of the nation he calls home.

Join Maps to see him in action as he performs 'The Invitation'

Join Maps as he interviews crew members to teach valuable skills in presenting