From Mice Hunter to Sungura Legend: Alick Macheso’s Journey

Alick Macheso performing live

Veteran sungura musician Alick Macheso has shared a striking account of his early life, revealing that long before sold-out shows and chart-topping albums, he survived by hunting and selling mice in Dzivaresekwa, Harare. The revelation adds a human chapter to the story of one of Zimbabwe’s most enduring cultural icons and underscores the grit behind his rise.

Raised in Shamva before relocating to Dzivaresekwa in the early 1980s, Macheso said the hustle was born of necessity. In peak weeks, he could trap up to 900 mice, selling them across the neighbourhood and nearby communities. “People laughed at me,” he recalled, “but I made a living. I’m grateful I stuck with it and lived the best way possible.” What some mocked became the foundation of resilience that later powered his music career.

Faith, Hustle, and the Long Road Up

Speaking about his journey, to H-Metro, Macheso credited unwavering faith and perseverance for carrying him from hardship to national acclaim.

“From humble beginnings to where I am today is God’s favour,” he said, noting the irony of performing today on the same grounds where he once hunted mice.

His message to young people is simple and practical: don’t be ashamed of honest work.

“What matters is providing for your family using the gifts God gave you.”

That ethos resonates beyond music. Macheso describes himself as multi-skilled and an able fisherman when time allows, underscoring a broader philosophy of talent diversification.

“Everyone is gifted differently,” he said. “Develop what you have.”

Prayer, Not Platforms

While not affiliated with a specific church, Macheso calls himself a prayer warrior, describing spirituality as central to both his personal life and creative longevity. As his career continues to draw crowds and accolades, he says the discipline of prayer keeps him grounded and focused on growth.

“I will continue to develop the gift God has given me,” he added.

Macheso’s reflections arrive as renewed public interest surrounds his work, including recent moments celebrating his impact on Zimbabwean music culture. (See our internal features on Zimbabwe’s creative economy and how artists turn talent into sustainable livelihoods.)

Alick Macheso early life