Agri's got Talent finalists in training

The 11 finalists 2015 from left. Front: Miena Stuurman, Johanna Damons, Noliso Gusana, Erien Smith. Centre: Charlene Theunissen, Elsie Matika, Yolanda Michaels, Monica Plaatjies and Raylene Booysen. Back: Pudumo Ntsane and Armando Baartman.

The project gives workers in the fruit and wine industries the opportunity to receive recognition for their singing talent, as well as life skills that they can plough back into their communities. The project is a joint venture between HORTGRO and the VinPro Foundation, which respectively represent these two industries. It is now in its second year, with the Foundation being involved in the project for the first time.

The finalists were chosen from 75 video entries, and they come from Tulbagh, Wolseley, Rawsonville, Robertson, McGregor, Grabouw en Somerset West. They were picked up with a minibus from their hometowns on Sunday, 26 July, and taken to the Manyano Centre in Paarl, where they will stay for the week.

The voice training is provided by Frieda van den Heever, well-known musician and stage actress. Albert Maritz, an actor who is known for his roles in inter alia, Konings and Vallei van die Sluiers, is teaching stage techniques. The life skills component is presented by Petra Nel, social worker and programme manager at Procare Western Cape and includes interpersonal skills, handling conflict and managing stressful situations.

A gala evening will be held on Friday, 31 July, in Somerset West, during which the 11 finalists will perform with renowned Afrikaans singer Andriëtte Norman, and the winner will be announced. The winner will receive a cash prize and the chance to perform ay agricultural events.

Follow the action at Agri's got Talent, or the Agri's got Talent Facebook page and @AgriTalent on Twitter.