- Mpho Popps will host 11th Savanna Comics’ Choice Comedy Awards.
- The seasoned comedian in also nominated in the comedian of the year category.
- He shares that he will celebrate 15 years in comedy in July.
Seasoned comedian Mpho Popps will be the host for the 2024 Savanna Comics’ Choice Comedy Awards.
Not only is he hosting the awards ceremony in April for the first time but he is also nominated for comedian of the year.
Mpho tells TRUELOVE that being nominated in this category is special for him because "it's the highest honour, which is equivalent to the SAMAs album of the year category".
Unable to hide his excitement when we met him at the award’s nominees announcement party, he shares, "I previously won in categories such as breakthrough and headline act."
Mpho, will for the first time, host the 11th instalment of the awards. While he's hosted a plethora of other award shows previously, he maintains that he's a bit anxious to be hosting this particular ceremony.
"I'm quite nervous about this one because it's a comedy show right from the beginning to the end, so much so that even winners get to do a set instead of a speech. It's going to be so much fun. There's no rules."
As with many of his peers in different spheres of showbiz, there are challenges that plague the comedy industry.
"We don't have infrastructure, we don't have places to go and to develop. Right now, there are no comedy spaces for young up and upcoming comedians to perform," he shares.
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Mpho bemoans the lack of support his industry receives, especially from the government. "If more people and brands came around to support comedy, it would make the world of difference in the lives of comedians.
“If we could also get support from the government because they don't support us at all. Comedy is important because we use it as a country to laugh at ourselves and it's a form of escapism".
In July, Mpho will celebrate more than a decade in comedy.
"I started stand-up comedy in 2009, so, on the ninth of July, I'll be celebrating 15 years in comedy, which for me is a milestone," he exclaims.
What are must-haves for you in your car?
Plastic bag, so I can throw in the trash. There's always water and a R100 just in case I need cash.
What's the first thing you do in the morning?
I use the bathroom because I'm getting old (chuckles)
What's your favourite local holiday destination?
Sun City, I've been going there for ten years now and I can't of think of any other perfect place or holiday. They make the [best] cheeseburgers there and the entertainment is fun, as is the fake beach.
What's your favourite food?
Pilchards. My wife is the best chef, she makes even the most basic food taste great. So, my favourite restaurant is at home.
