First gaining widespread recognition, Mpho “Popps” Modikoane competed in the 2009 season of the popular local reality show So You Think You’re Funny and advanced to the finals. Following his initial public debut, he established himself as a mainstay on the Johannesburg comedy club scene, sharing the stage with celebrities such as Marc Lottering and Trevor Noah.
After that, he was added to the lineup of David Kau’s national comedy tour, Blacks Only (2009, 2010, 2012, 2013), where he consistently received standing ovations for his performances. Just Because Comedy Festival at the Market Theatre (2009), a twelve-week/forty-four-show run at Gold Reef City’s Loads of Laughs (2011–2012), Bafunny Bafunny (2012), Mass Hysteria as the Minister of Youth (2013), and the main stage of The Comic’s Choice AwardsTM Showcase (2013) are among the other shows in which Mpho has appeared as a comic.
2010 was marked by a return to television with appearances on Mzansi Magic’s Opening Guys and Late Night with Kgomotso, in addition to performing to packed stand-up gigs. Notable TV roles that she has had include writer and actor on the Mzansi Magic improvisational show Laugh Out Loud (2011–2012), stand-in for Trevor Gumbi on Headlines (2013), and guest on Noeleen’s Three Talk (2013). But in addition to being a funny man, Mpho is a skilled dancer who advanced to the quarterfinals of the sixth season of Strictly Come Dancing South Africa (2013).
Mpho’s nomination for Best Newcomer at the inaugural South African Comic’s Choice Awards was the cherry on top of 2010’s achievements. Once more, he received recognition as a finalist for the 2011 Comic’s Choice AwardsTM Newcomer Award, a finalist for the 2012 Comic’s Choice Blackberry® Breakthrough Act Award, and a return winner of the 2013 Comic’s Choice Blackberry® Breakthrough Act Award.
In addition, he is a fantastic opening act for both intimate and large-scale events. He has hosted several performances, served as a skilled master of ceremonies, and presented at several award shows.
