Ronnie Nyakale: From Generations' Cosmo to Bolt Driver and Business Owner
Ronnie Nyakale, a veteran actor who has cemented his place as one of television's most exceptional talents, embodies the power of perseverance and dedication. Best known for his role as Cosmo on Generations: The Legacy, Nyakale has become a household name through hard work and commitment to his craft.
Nyakale shared his feelings about returning to the Auckland Park-based show with Drum. “I feel truly honoured and excited to be back. Generations: The Legacy will always be my home, and the warm reception from my colleagues reminded me exactly why,” he said. He has been playing the role of Cosmo for 12 years, and in those years, he’s enjoyed every moment of playing the character.
“What I enjoy most about portraying Cosmo is the depth of his inner soul, a side completely different from what people have known me for. He’s a family man, fiercely protective of those he loves. Papa Action was a hit, but he also made some people uncomfortable. Now I get to play the complete opposite, and still, some feel some type of way about it. That’s the beauty of storytelling. It creates conversation, even debate, and that was always the intention.”
During his time away from Generations, Nyakale surprised fans by driving for Bolt, a decision he reflects on fondly. “Driving for Bolt was an unexpectedly exciting chapter in my life. I carry those memories deeply in my heart, especially the conversations and stories shared by my riders. I met incredible souls along the way: people who prayed for me during the trip or at drop-off, asking God to protect me,” the star explained. “I’ll never forget the smiles when passengers recognised me as Uncle Cosmo, Papa Action, Ding Dong, or Mavestar.”
He added that driving Bolt brought him some healing and taught him a lot. “In those moments, I could feel their spirits lift, and what many don’t know is that my own spirit was lifted too. Bolt became a kind of therapy for me. Through those heartfelt conversations, I healed, learned, laughed, and connected.”
“The golden moments were always the same: that split second when they realised it was really me. The screams, the shock, the love. Those reactions will stay with me forever. I truly enjoyed my time with Bolt, and a part of me wishes I had a dashcam to capture all of those beautiful memories. I’m no longer driving for Bolt.”
Beyond acting, Nyakale has also ventured into the business world. “Today, I am a proud, qualified Epoxy flooring installer, running a business I am proud of. A new chapter, a new journey, and one I embrace with gratitude,” he revealed.
Having experienced the unpredictable nature of the entertainment industry, Nyakale emphasises the importance of financial literacy and professionalism for artists. “Being away from Generations: The Legacy reminded me of an important truth: showbiz is never permanent. When the spotlight is on us, it’s easy to spend without thinking ahead. But the reality hits hard when the income stops; even three months without work can feel like a nightmare, especially if you don’t have a side hustle or savings to fall back on.”
He further elaborated on the challenges faced by artists, saying, “This is why we often see artists holding up bank cards on social media, seeking sympathy and directing frustration at producers. Unfortunately, this can mislead our fans and place unfair blame on the very people who work to create opportunities. It speaks to a deeper issue in our industry: the urgent need for financial literacy, stability, and honest conversations about the challenges artists face behind the scenes.”
Nyakale also addressed the importance of professionalism on set. “As actors, we must remember: we do not own the house we work in; it belongs to the producers. They bring the resources, the structure, and the rules. Once we step into that house, we are expected to conduct ourselves professionally. That means showing up prepared, sober, respectful, and ready to deliver."
He is not phased by naysayers, because he is cognisant of the fact that he’s on a journey of his own. “I’m chasing a dream. I’m a dream hunter. The vision I’m pursuing is worth every step, and I know that negative criticism will always show up as an obstacle meant to distract or discourage me. But obstacles are part of the journey, and overcoming them requires staying positive and continuing to do what I do best. I put God Almighty first, and I trust that everything else will follow,” he quips.
Nyakale concluded with a forward-looking perspective on Generations: The Legacy: “This is the new ‘Generations’ for a new generation, shaped by a new generation. The old tale has been told; now it’s time for the new one to unfold.”
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