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, actor known for his roles in, inter alia, Konings
and Vallei van die Sluiers, teaches stage techniques. The lifeskills 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 at agricultural events.
Follow
the action at www.agrisgottalent.wordpress.com, or the Agri’s got Talent
Facebook page and @AgriTalent on Twitter.
For
media enquiries contact Jana Loots at 082 853 4029, jana@vinpro.co.za.