Meet Booi Swarts from Piketberg in the Western Cape and Jenedine Jantjies from Patensie in the Eastern Cape – two voices from South Africa’s farming heartland, stepping into the spotlight as finalists in Agri’s Got Talent (AGT).
For Swarts, a seasonal worker who regularly finds employment in the citrus industry, music is a calling he has carried with him since childhood.
His musical roots also run deep. “My singing comes from my mother. My mom, brother, sister and I always performed together. We never had a name – we just performed as a mother and her children.”
Being on stage will be a deeply emotional experience, Swarts says. “I was still shaking. It feels strange, but I am excited,” he says of receiving the news that he is a finalist.
Outside of singing, Swarts enjoys drama and even led his own drama group in the past. But music, he believes, could carry him further. “I would love to take music further and perform in other places – even overseas,” he says with a smile.
Agriculture is another space where he finds meaning. “I really enjoy working in agriculture. You always meet new people. Every year, every season, I look forward to meeting new people.”
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Supporting agriculture in a unique way
Jantjies’ journey, meanwhile, was unexpected as she had not planned to enter AGT, but her close friend encouraged her. “She actually forced me to enter,” Jantjies laughs.
She describes herself as a lover of all music. “I listen to a bit of everything. I don’t have a specific genre that I like. My dream is to record my own music and motivate young people in my community to dream of bigger things.”
Her role in agriculture is unique. Instead of working in the fields, she cares for the children of farmworkers while their parents are at work. “Working in agriculture means that I am part of farm life. I am very proud to be part of such a beautiful community.”
For Jantjies, faith guides her steps. She often turns to Isaiah 60:22 – “When the time is right, I, the Lord, will make it happen” – a verse that reminds her that everything happens with purpose.
“The Lord has a purpose with everything. There’s a reason why I’m part of this competition. I’m looking forward to growing in the process and in my music, for the exposure I’ll get and the opportunity to share my gift in a whole new province,” Jantjies says.
During the week, Swarts, Jantjies and their fellow contestants will receive professional voice coaching, stage performance training, and guidance in personal growth, including communication skills, confidence-building, financial literacy, and conflict resolution. By the end of the week, they will be ready not just to perform, but to inspire.
On the night of the finale, they will share their voices, stories, and dreams with a live audience.
Tickets to the finale are available via Computicket. Click on the link to get your tickets.
