Gaosi Raditholo is no stranger to depth, honesty and emotional truth both on screen and in real life. As Mmarona Sedibeng on the hit series Genesis, she has quickly become one of the show’s most magnetic presences, capturing viewers with a performance that is as delicate as it is powerful.
But behind the character is an artist whose love for storytelling began long before the cameras ever rolled.
Gaosi describes herself as easygoing and open-minded, someone who values authenticity and purpose above everything else. “I’m deeply passionate about what I do,” she says. “At my core, I value connection in the stories I tell and in how I show up in the world.”
That sense of purpose can be traced back to her childhood. Raised around the energy of community theatre, thanks to her grandmother, a director and actor, Gaosi’s earliest memories are of sitting in dark halls, watching stories unfold under stage lights.
“She used to take my sister and me to watch the plays she had written and directed. That’s where it all began for me,” she recalls. “Seeing her bring stories to life sparked something in me.”
When she first read the script for Genesis, Gaosi felt an instant connection to Mmarona. A gifted singer burdened by the very talent that should have liberated her, Mmarona is layered, conflicted and heartbreakingly human.
“What moved me most was her passion for singing,” Gaosi explains. “The thing that brings her joy is also the thing that brings her the most pain. That irony touched me deeply. I knew I was stepping into a complex, beautifully flawed woman.”
To prepare for the role, Gaosi approached the character with empathy rather than judgment. “A character’s truth lies in the details,” she says. “I studied the script and subtext to understand her inner world. I had to meet her with compassion — that’s how I could access her emotional depth.”
Through Mmarona, Gaosi discovered something about herself too: resilience. “Despite everything she goes through, she doesn’t become bitter. She keeps dreaming, loving and trying. She reminded me of the strength that comes with forgiveness and the importance of hope.”
Beyond acting, Gaosi is also a writer and director, a multi-hyphenate storyteller whose curiosity fuels her craft. “I’m always chasing honesty,” she says. “Whether I’m acting, directing or writing, I look for that moment when something feels real and alive.”
Her creative grounding comes from observing people, journaling and simply allowing life to soak into her work. But when the creative cup runs dry, she finds replenishment in nature, prayer and quiet reflection. “They remind me why I tell stories in the first place.”
The industry, she admits, can be overwhelming. But she has firm anchors. “My family is my grounding force. And spiritually, my faith keeps me centred. Prayer and reading the Bible remind me of who I am beyond the noise.”
Like many women in the industry, Gaosi has been shaped by the giants who walked before her. One mentor stands out: Camilla Waldman. “She has such respect for storytelling,” Gaosi says with admiration. “Her attention to detail, emotional depth, and generosity have taught me so much. She inspires me to approach my craft with discipline and passion.”
Away from set, Gaosi lives softly. Joy, for her, is simple: time with family and close friends, eating good food, discovering new restaurants and losing herself in a great film. “Fine dining is definitely one of my love languages,” she says.
She’s currently re-reading Save The Cat by Blake Snyder to keep her writing muscles sharp, while also diving into Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi, a novel she describes as powerful and soul-stirring.
When asked what she’d be doing if she weren’t in the arts, Gaosi smiles. She can’t imagine a life without storytelling, though she dreams of expanding her footprint behind the scenes. “I’d love to produce my own projects and help create more opportunities for authentic African stories to be told.”
And what does she hope viewers take away from watching Mmarona’s journey?
“I hope people feel encouraged to begin or continue their own healing journeys,” she says. “Mmarona reminds us that it’s never too late to start again, to forgive, to let go, to let God. No matter how difficult the past, there’s always room for a second chance.”
