Mpho Popps is on a roll. His talent, hard work and dedication have taken him from the streets of Soweto to the centre of many comedy stages.
As a comedian, actor and producer, Mpho ‘Popps’ Modikoane has built a career as a captivating storyteller using his wit. The beloved comedian, who paces the stage with an intensity that makes him seem as much a preacher as the brilliant funny guy he is, has not been afraid to tackle controversial subjects, evoking uncontrollable outbursts of laughter from his audiences thanks to his unique blend of wit, insight and social commentary.
Mpho Popps began his career in stand-up comedy in 2009, making appearances at events throughout the country. His distinct brand of humour, in which he frequently tackles the complexities of contemporary life in South Africa, made him an instant hit.
His path to podcasts
Also a staple on the small screen, including most recently as host of The Masked Singer SA, he has now ventured into podcasting. A guest appearance on the popular Podcast and Chill’, hosted by Macgyver `MacG’ Mukwevho and Sol Phenduka, inspired this. While Sol was off ill, Mpho stood in for him. Again, he was an instant hit. With genius accuracy and impeccable timing, Mpho nailed it. On the one hand, he was fascinating, and on the other, he was hysterical.
That was to lead to the creation of the `Popcorn and Cheese’ podcast in 2023, in which Mpho co-hosted with the talented Robot Boii (aka Mzwakhe Mbuli Junior).
Laughter as medicine
When asked why comedy, he simply says: “I’m funny,” adding, “That’s like asking Usain Bolt why he runs!” But Mpho found that comedy also served as a form of therapy. He has been unwittingly healing himself with each performance.
“My comedy career was born from depression,” he reveals. “At the time, I was at rock bottom — a point where you are numb to even physical pain,” he recalls. As a result, he began penning comedic pieces for himself.
“It was a coping mechanism that led to me becoming a comic. Besides laughter being the best medicine, watching your ideas come to life and seeing an audience laughing is the greatest reward,” he adds. “The first time I got paid for doing comedy, I was shocked. I thought the payment was people laughing.”
Mpho is a multi-faceted performer whose persona varies depending on who you ask. With a career spanning over a decade, he is a genuine entertainer who can move between comedy, acting and producing with ease.
“I believe that my talent and skill are not a show I put on but an embodiment of my true self,” he says. “This is who I am, all day, every day. My goal is to spread laughs and bring joy to audiences around the world.”
From dream to his reality
For Mpho, who was raised in Vosloorus and Soweto, it all started with the national comedy-search TV show So You Think You’re Funny! then appearances on Mzansi Magic’s Opening Guys, SABC2’s sketch show The Bantu Hour and M-Net’s Laugh Out Loud. This led to live stand-up comedy shows like Mass Hysteria and Blacks Only, as well as one-man shows such as Exhibit A.
He has also appeared in several films and TV shows – from Ayeye (Showmax) and Big Nunu’s Little Heist (Netflix) to hosting Strictly Come Dancing and being a contestant on MTV’s Lip Sync Battle Africa. A career highlight was starring in and producing the SAFTA-winning local film Thina Sobabili, chosen to represent SA at the 2015 Oscars.
“Things I have written on my vision board have become a reality,” he says. Some of Mpho’s other notable achievements include hosting the Comedy Central Roast of Khanyi Mbau, being a brand ambassador for companies such as MiWay, as well as producing, writing and starring in his own comedy special. He has also appeared at prestigious comedy festivals around the world, including in Montreux, Melbourne and Edinburgh Fringe Festival in Scotland.
Through the years, Mpho has won several awards for his work as a comedian, including the Savanna Comics’ Choice Award for Breakthrough Comic in 2012, Headliner of the Year in 2019 and (the biggest nod) Comedian of the Year in 2024.
The cool dad
Of the many hats Mpho wears, he says the one he loves the most is being a father. “My daughter is exactly like her dad. She is the spitting image of me,” he says. “She is a very dedicated student, very tall, and claims to be the funniest person in our house. She is such an amazing child. We spend a lot of time together.”
By the time that Mpho was seven years old, his father had left the picture due to his parents’ divorce. So quality time with his daughter, Imani, allows him to do all the things he wished he had done with his dad at that age.
“It is so exciting that my schedule allows me to spend a lot of time with her,” he says. “Her and I have our own special daddy and daughter time. It’s a weird thing… I get to be a kid again. Something one often misses.”
He says that a lot of that quality time is spent on their shared love of old cars, going for drives together, going to church, building stuff, doing arts and crafts, shopping, eating ice cream and watching movies together. “I have an incredible relationship with her.”
His recipe is simple: “When you are with your kid, be a kid. Yes, I am her dad, always, but when I am with her, we play at the same level and talk at the same level. And we talk about anything and everything.”
There’s no playbook for being a good parent, he adds; you simply have to wing it and allow yourself to learn as you go along. “While we do our best to prepare for parenthood, the reality is that you are on your own once the kid arrives,” he says. “Just roll with the punches. Basically, let go and let God.” Wise words from an ever-present, super-cool dad.
Quick Q & A
First thing you do in the morning?
Listen to TD Jakes.
What do you think your superpower would be?
To be invisible or invincible. I get confused between those two! Yeah, one of those.
What’s one question you hate being asked?
“Can you tell us a joke?”
One thing most people don’t know about you?
I have no sense of smell.
What would your last meal be?
My sister’s lamb stew.
Keep up with Mpho Popps
Instagram: @mphopopps
Facebook: Mpho Popps
X: @MphoPopps
Website: mphopopps.com
By: Koketso Mashika
Photography by: Zhann Solomons
Text courtesy of Club magazine
