Darren Maule reigns as comedy MC King in Jozi
Darren Maule lights up Jozi with comedy, old friends and a very proud mom!
KwaZulu-Natal’s (KZN) very own Darren Maule flew the flag high in Joburg this past weekend.
Our award-winning Breakfast host and comedian was called up to bring his MC ‘A’ game to one of the country’s most glittering comedy events at Emperors Palace.
Darren, widely regarded as one of South Africa’s top comedy MCs, was thrilled to get the nod for the prestigious #JokersInJuly series.
This is a showcase of SA’s finest comedic talents.
Darren was tasked with hosting an epic lineup and had the honour of introducing headliner Mpho Popps, fresh off his win as Comic’s Choice Headliner of the Year 2024.
It was a full-circle moment for both Darren and Mpho.
This year marks 15 years since Darren first brought a young, eager Mpho Popps onto the stage at the Coca-Cola Dome.
This was a night that, for many, marked the true launch of Mpho’s incredible career.
“I owe so much to Darren Maule,” says Mpho. “The very first comedy night I ever went to had Darren Maule, Martin Jonas, Dave Kibuka, and Trevor Noah in the lineup. I remember sitting there thinking, ‘I want to do THAT.’ Not long after, I entered a national competition for rising comics, and the rest is history. I learnt so much from Darren, especially about the art of MCing. I’d watch him every week and he was always on fire.”
The mutual love and respect between the two is undeniable. Darren’s signature ‘boxing-style’ intro for Mpho never fails to whip the crowd into a frenzy, and every photo of them together is either mid-laugh or mid-hug.
ALSO READ: Darren Maule forever championing our youth
Of course, every great night needs a cherry on top. On this night, Darren’s beloved mum, affectionately known as ‘The Queen’, was there too.
Not only did she get to see her youngest son shine on stage, but she made her way backstage afterward, dishing out hugs and kisses like confetti; not just for Darren, but for Mpho too.
“It was such a good night,” she beamed. “Darren was brilliant, I loved all the comedians, but especially Mpho. He’s just so funny, I love how he never swears and makes the everyday things we all say and do absolutely hilarious.”
She added with a grin, “Before I even got backstage, I couldn’t help myself. I was sitting in the theatre and turned to the people in front of me and said, ‘You see that MC up there? That’s my boy'.”
A proper, feel-good comedy night in Jozi, made even better with a dash of KZN charm.
To see all the hugs and laughter, check out more here:
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