Mpho Popps to Host The 2026 Content Creator Awards, Sponsored by Samsung

The Content Creator Awards, sponsored by Samsung, has announced that one of South Africa’s most recognisable entertainment personalities, Mpho “Popps” Modikoane, will host this year’s highly-anticipated awards ceremony, taking place on Saturday 17 October 2026 at The Galleria in Sandton.

Known for his work across comedy, television, podcasting and live entertainment, Mpho Popps brings his trademark humour, energy and quick wit to an evening celebrating the people and businesses shaping South Africa’s creator economy.

With a career spanning multiple facets of the entertainment industry, Popps is no stranger to commanding a live audience, making him a natural fit to host an awards ceremony bringing together some of the country’s leading creators, brands, agencies and industry personalities.

Host announcement

“I’m excited to be hosting the Content Creator Awards this year,” Mpho Popps says. “Content creators are literally driving culture right now. They keep us laughing, informed, and inspired every single day on our phones. To be on stage celebrating the brilliant minds behind South Africa's best digital content, with Samsung backing the vision, is going to be electric.”

He adds “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. 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.”

Why Mpho Popps was chosen

For Manuela Dias de Deus, Founder of the Content Creator Awards and Founder of One-eyed Jack, Mpho is the perfect choice to bring the evening to life. “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. He brings a great sense of humour and spontaneity to the stage, and is an absolute professional! This is a night about celebrating talent, and we know he’ll bring exactly the right energy to what is one of the biggest nights on the creator calendar.”

2026 programme and tickets

The 2026 Content Creator Awards mark another significant chapter for the programme, which has evolved considerably since its launch in 2022. Now in its fourth year, the awards recognise South Africa’s leading digital creators alongside the brands, agencies and platforms helping to shape the country’s rapidly growing creator economy.

This year’s programme features 20 categories, with entry and judging criteria refined to reflect the evolving creator landscape. The judging criteria have also been developed in collaboration with the Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB) South Africa, supporting greater consistency, credibility and industry alignment.

Tickets for this year’s grand event are available via Quicket at https://www.quicket.co.za/events/391220-content-creator-awards-sponsored-by-samsung/#/. Early bird tickets are going for just R395, so those wanting to attend are encouraged to book as soon as possible to take advantage of this special price.

Partners and further information

Of course, no great event comes together without the support of great partners. A special thank you to Samsung Galaxy, YouTube, Telkom, 947, eVOD, Cars.co.za and The Creator Club for helping make it all possible.

For more information, visit https://www.contentcreatorawards.co.za/.