Mpho Popps to Host 2026 Content Creator Awards

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Venecia Valentine

Mpho “Popps” Modikoane will host the 2026 Content Creator Awards, bringing his humour, energy and quick wit to the annual celebration of South Africa’s digital talent.

Sponsored by Samsung, the ceremony will take place on Saturday, 17 October 2026, at The Galleria in Sandton.

The event will bring together content creators, brands, agencies and other personalities working across South Africa’s creator economy.

Mpho Popps Ready to Celebrate Local Creators

Popps has worked across comedy, television, podcasting and live entertainment.

His experience with live audiences and ability to respond in the moment will shape an evening focused on South Africa’s digital creators.

“I’m excited to be hosting the Content Creator Awards this year,” says Popps. “Content creators are literally driving culture right now. They keep us laughing, informed, and inspired every single day on our phones.”

He believes the ceremony offers an opportunity to recognise the people behind some of the country’s leading digital content.

“There is so much incredible talent coming out of South Africa, and it’s great to see creators getting the recognition they deserve for the work they’re doing,” he adds. “I’m looking forward to celebrating the nominees, having some fun with the night and making sure we give these creators the celebration they deserve.”

Awards Founder Backs Popps as Host

Content Creator Awards founder and One-eyed Jack founder Manuela Dias de Deus described Popps as the right choice to lead the ceremony.

“We wanted a host who could bring real energy and personality to the awards,” says Dias de Deus. “Mpho has always been someone who can take a room and completely own it, but more importantly, he knows how to connect with an audience.”

She said his humour, spontaneity and professionalism suit an event celebrating creativity and talent.

Awards Return With 20 Categories

The Content Creator Awards launched in 2022 and are now in their fourth year.

The 2026 ceremony will recognise digital creators alongside the brands, agencies and platforms contributing to the creator economy.

This year’s programme includes 20 categories.

Entry and judging criteria have been refined to reflect changes across digital content and the wider industry.

The judging process was developed in collaboration with the Interactive Advertising Bureau South Africa to support consistency, credibility and industry alignment.