Funny Money: From Left to Right: Khanyisa Bunu, Mpho Popps and Vafa Naraghi. Picture: Supplied
With people being generally put off by the thought of being given a lesson, a financial service provider (FSP) shrewdly hid financial literacy within a stand-up show headlined by Mpho ‘Popps’ Modikoane.
The audience at The F Show hosted at the Theatre on the Square in Sandton City, had no clue that the jokes presented on the night were a disguise for lessons in money.
Sanlam collaborated with author and personal finance expert Sam Beckbessinger to develop a six-lesson-long ‘fin lit’ course, which was then crafted into a feature-length stand-up comedy gig by Mpho Popps, Khanyisa Bunu, and viral comic Vafa Naraghi.
“This campaign is rooted in the insight that South Africans don’t want to talk about money,” averred Chief Marketing Officer at Sanlam, Mariska Oosthuizen.
“However, research reveals that regularly talking about finances results in better mental wellbeing, improved relationships, and financial outcomes.”
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Beckbessinger, who is the author of Manage Your Money Like a F*cking Grownup, condensed years of financial insight and knowledge into six solid ‘fin lit’ lessons for the comedians to craft their comedy around.
In his set, Mpho Popps touched on topics of corruption, family dynamics and traditions.
Although these subjects are ones we all know, Popps injected a fresh perspective by offering personal anecdotes and well-developed insights.
“There’s no sensitive way to talk about money. Money is money. You either have it or you’re trying to get it. Money shouldn’t be a taboo topic; we make it one and that’s the problem,” said Mpho Popps.
@mphopoppscomedy Guys, the only f-show bigger than pre-payday grocery shopping is The F-Show! The sold-out, live gig was 🔥🔥🔥 So, expect nice things from the streaming special. Keep your 👀 peeled for details #ItsAnFShow ♬ original sound – Mpho Popps Modikoane
“We need to talk about money more; it’s healthy to do so. I grew up in a family that didn’t talk about it and, as a result, I had money struggles growing up. Now, I make it a point to talk about finances with my daughter and my wife.”
Naraghi began his set by cautioning the audience to live within their means. Particularly addressing the men watching, the comedian provided suggestions on how to maintain your budget when going on a date.
Naraghi’s distinct voice shone through, as he delivered quick-witted observations of cultural differences and daily blunders.
Beckbessinger notes that money taps into some of our trickiest emotions, such as fear and shame. As a result, money stress is something many people hide.
“Humour disarms us and lets us look at things we’ve been too scared to confront; laughter is like flipping on a light switch in a dark room. It is South Africa’s unofficial 13th language; it’s how we connect, cope and open up about even the thorniest topics, like money,” said the author.
“I hope that The F-Show streaming special gets money conversations out of the shadows and into the heart of our homes. We want people to talk about their finances with the same openness they’d discuss the latest episode of Real Housewives. If we can get friends and families chatting about their financial goals, then I feel we’ve done our job.”
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Clips from The F-Show started circulating on social media generating more than 2 million views, with 14 000 shares and 138 000 engagements.
Netizens found themselves laughing and sharing moments that resonated with their own financial experiences, without fully realising they were being taught valuable financial lessons at the same time.
With each laugh and comment shared online, the viral sensation encouraged a cultural shift – transforming the taboo around money into open and engaging dialogue.
Additional reporting by Anoka Latchmiah
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