This is the second instalment of my experiences in a minibus taxi. The first time I used a taxi, I was amazed at the almost sacred silence inside, it was almost like being in a church. Every person sat with his or her eyes closed. After a while I realised they were all praying. I quickly glanced at the driver, but to my relief, his eyes were open.
I had read about the religious revival sweeping through Pretoria, but here I was in the middle of it. I had tears in my eyes and also closed my eyes when the driver overtook a car in the busy Church Street and almost went slap-bang into a truck. If you want to be a hit among the taxi crowds, do your homework and read up on your soccer and R&B, township blues music and kwaito.
Firstly, you will score a lot of brownie points if you tell them you are a Pirates fan and explain in detail why you think the referee in their last game is a has-been or was bribed. It is important to quickly gauge the mood inside a taxi before you open you mouth. It will not do to espouse the virtues of Mamelodi Sundowns while the taxi is packed with avid Kaizer Chiefs supporters dressed to kill in their fan paraphernalia.
But the life of any taxi is the music they play inside. It will, invariably, be R&B, gospel or Barry White. I have even entered a taxi that was playing Maria Callas singing The end of paradise or Adele’s Rolling in the Deep.
Another played John Gary singing If ever I would leave you. John Denver’s Leaving on a jet plane is also popular.
Gospel songs that are often heard are Awake and alive and What faith can do.
The popular recommended song playlist for taxis includes: Help!, Long day’s journey into night, Wonk Wonk, When I close my eyes, My world is over, She rides wild horses, Crash and burn, Chitty chitty bang bang, In the end, That’s life and Cheek to cheek.
