Radio listeners may be curious to know why Musina FM presenter Mashudu Patrick Pilani always shows such an interest in matters relating to public transportation. He can often be heard during his afternoon drive show encouraging taxi drivers to respect their passengers. The answer is simple. Pilani shuffles between his career as radio presenter during the week and being a taxi driver on weekends, and when it comes to practising what one preaches, Pilani is a true example.
Affectionately known as MP3, Pilani is not only very popular with Musina FM listeners; he is also loved by the many commuters that he transports between Musina town and Nancefield location.
Pilani presents the Kasi 104 Drive show, which airs between 15:00 and 18:00 from Monday to Friday. He is not a novice in the broadcasting industry either. He began his career with Musina FM back in 2012. "In 2014, I decided to take a long break to concentrate on my events management business, but it suffered a terrible blow when Covid hit the world two years ago. I was lucky that the radio management felt there was still a place with them for me, and when they asked me to come back, I accepted." He re-joined the radio team in March last year and has not looked back since.
Born and bred in Musina, Pilani recalls how his teachers recognised a certain talent in him from a young age. "I would always be at the top when it came to unprepared speeches and debates. I represented my school in several debate competitions and afterwards returned home with silverware. I could not resist to join Musina FM in 2012 after a successful audition. Radio broadcasting runs in the family. My younger brother, Vuledzani Ishmael Pilani, is also a celebrated presenter at Vhembe FM," he said.
Asked what he loves most about the two jobs he is juggling, he answered, "There is nothing more fulfilling than sliding in behind the microphone. Through radio, I can contribute positively to community development and change lives. However, when I'm driving a taxi on weekends, I feel very happy because I can physically interact with different people. This is where I find so many of the topics that I end up using during my shows in the week," he said.