ALICK Macheso says he used to earn a living by hunting mice.

And, on a good week, he would catch as many as 900 mice and sell them in Dzivaresekwa.

The Orchestra Mberikwazvo leader was raised in Shamva before he relocated to Dzivaresekwa in the early ’80s.

“On a good week, I would catch as many as 900 mice and sell them around Dzivaresekwa and the surrounding communities.

“Many people used to laugh at me but I managed to make a living from selling mice.

“I continued as a hunter and I am glad that I have fulfilled my wish and lived the best way possible.”

Macheso said his faith and belief in God has taken him places.

“For someone who comes from humble beginnings to be where I am today is God’s great favour.

“I am glad that I am someone important in society yet I used to be a mice hunter on the same grounds where I am performing today.”

Macheso urged people to have faith in their hustles, which enable them to earn a living.

“In life, we should not be ashamed of what we do to earn a living.

“What is important is to earn and look after our families through the gifts that God gave us.

“We should not earn a living through wrong means and I am happy that I have been able to utilise my gifts to earn a living.

“I am also a good fisherman, another talent I discovered when I was still young.

“Of course, I don’t have time to go to the river now, but each time I do go, I can catch enough relish to last my family for weeks.

“In life, we are all gifted in so many ways and I am grateful that God has seen the potential I have. I will continue to develop that gift for years to come.”

His career continues to blaze a trail of success with each passing year.

Macheso said he does not belong to any church but he is a prayer warrior and his belief in God has helped him rise to where he is today as a musician.

The sungura ace says his songs are also scriptures.

“I am where I am because of prayer and it can only be God who has helped me a lot to restore my relationship with Him.

“I don’t belong to a particular church, but I find time to pray.

“The reason I don’t belong to a specific church is because of my busy schedule.

“God is also using me to worship Him through my songs and sometimes I don’t even recall how I came up with those songs.

“For your information, I am God’s vessel, and I can’t deny His calling, which has made me the person I am today.”

The 57-year-old said he feels blessed when people sing along wherever he performs.

“It’s not easy to please people but, in my case, I have seen the power of music, as fans usually sing along to most of my songs.

“This alone shows the power of music and how I have developed into a better person than I am today. I won’t stop doing His work and I will always cherish the good things He has done for me over the years.”