Agri's got Talent 2015: top 10 fruit and wine singers announced

The project is a joint venture between HORTGRO and VinPro, representative organisations for these two industries.

Presenting musical talents from the agriculture industry

"Agri's got Talent enables the fruit and wine industries to give recognition to the singing talent of their employees, and gives them the opportunity to gain knowledge and skills with which they can make a difference in their communities," says Anton Rabe, executive director of HORTGRO, which presents the project for the second consecutive year.

A total of 75 video entries were received from throughout the Western Cape, from which the Top 10 was selected. The finalists will attend a week-long workshop in Paarl at the end of July, which includes voice and stage training, as well as a life skills programme. The winner, who will be announced at a gala evening, will receive a cash prize and the opportunity to perform at agricultural events.

The Top 10 finalists are:

Monica Plaatjies: Morning Star, Grabouw

Erien Smith: Graaff Fruit, Ceres

Miena Stuurman: Lorraine Private Cellar, Rawsonville

Charlene Theunissen: Fruitways, Molteno

Rayline Booysen: Rhodes Food, Tulbagh

Armando Baartman: Saratoga Fruit, Robertson

Yolande Michaels: La Colline Packshed, Robertson

Z Pudumo: Fruitways, Graymead

Elsie Matika: Houtbaai Farm, McGregor

Nolisa Gusana: contract worker at Vergelegen Wines, Somerset West.

"The partnership with HORTGRO emphasises the fact that both these industries view the empowerment of their workers as a priority," says Rico Basson, VinPro managing director.

The gala evening will be held on 31 July 2015 at the Lord Charles Hotel, Somerset West.