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ALICK Macheso believes reckless musicians are tarnishing the image of artistes in Zimbabwe.
He says artistes should make hay while the sun shines.
In his birthday message, Macheso told H-Metro that artistes should be prepared for life after music.
“Our job, as musicians, is demanding and we can’t afford to be reckless when we are at our peak since we don’t have a pension,” he said.
“On that note, we need to make savings to avoid being labelled destitute when we fall on hard times.
“I have heard several cases where some popular artistes, who once made hits and money, ended up being given pauper’s burials or begging for food handouts from fans, which is totally unacceptable.
“In my case, I can’t say I am perfect, but I have a fall back plan. My advice to my fellow musicians is that we need to diversify and not lay all our eggs in one basket.
“Of course, we might complain about economic challenges but we need to really invest in assets and make savings.”
Macheso, who owns a plot in Chivhu, says farming is his other hustle.
“Growing up on a farm environment, I fell in love with agriculture.
“I will always do my best when it comes to farming.
“I travel to Chivhu when I am not busy with work to monitor my projects.
“I don’t want to be a cell phone farmer, but I make sure I am always there when needed.
“In most cases, I don’t alert my farm workers that I will be visiting them because I want them to work hard even with minimum supervision.”
He, however, said he was not a cruel boss who easily fires workers.
“I am not a trigger-happy kind of boss but I respect my employees because they have their families as well.
“I find time to joke and talk with my employees and I want them to feel loved and honoured.
“I have seen a lot in my life, having been raised in a farm environment, where it was hard.”
Mathew Masinge
Online Reporter