Michael Jackson’s “The Way You Make Me Feel” filled the air at Dawn Mountains, Simondium, as Chester Fisch claimed victory at Agri’s Got Talent 2024 (AGT) on October 11th. Chester’s performance, complete with powerful vocals, dance moves, and undeniable charisma, captured the hearts of the audience and judges alike, making him the well-deserved winner of this year’s competition.
Launched in 2013 by Hortgro, Agri’s Got Talent showcases the musical talents of those working in agriculture. Now in its 11th year, we’re proud to be a sponsor alongside Hortgro, the Citrus Growers Association, the South African Table Grape Industry, and the Western Cape Department of Agriculture. Additional support comes from FruitFly Africa, BerriesZA, and Culdevco.
This initiative continues to uplift the agricultural community, offering participants a stage to share their talent and opportunities to develop skills, build confidence, and foster personal growth.
Chester, a seasonal worker in the wine industry from Mountain Ridge in Wolseley, says his love for music is deeply intertwined with his work. “For me, music and agriculture go hand in hand. If I don’t make music, I can’t be a farmer. And if there is no farming, there is no music. I was singing and dancing while pumping wine from one tank to the other. That’s how I balance the two.”
Chester’s equally moving second performance, a rendition of Sam Cooke’s iconic “A Change is Gonna Come” (1964) spoke directly to the heart of South Africa’s agricultural community, echoing deeply with the audience and reflecting the spirit of hope and transformation.
In a recent interview with Food for Mzansi, Chester shared his belief in the future of agriculture, “The world was built on it, and the world cannot survive without it. People need to eat, and that is why farming is important. I want to contribute towards promoting agriculture, especially among the youth.”
Chester’s journey to AGT began with the encouragement of his partner, Felicity. Participating in AGT was about more than winning; it was a journey of growth and learning. “In every competition, there are no winners or losers. We are all learners,” he says.
When asked how it feels to win Agri’s Got Talent 2024, Chester said, “I was overwhelmed with mixed emotions, including joy, relief, and a profound sense of accomplishment. It validated my hard work. If you’re eager to succeed, it’s important to know the strategies, mindsets, and habits that make your dreams a reality.”
For Chester, his performance of “A Change is Gonna Come” was particularly special. “Performing that song felt prolific as a change did come after winning this competition.”