Earth Hour concert puts spotlight on climate

Despite the Disaster Risk Management Act measures being lifted, this year’s staging of the annual Earth Hour acoustic concert remained virtual.

The showcase, which aids in spreading awareness about preserving nature, while spearheading conversations on climate change, never entertained the idea of having an outdoor event, since the planning process began from as early as September of last year.

“We actually started planning with our joint project manager team of Jamila Pinto and Davida-Mae Chambers from last September. And truthfully, for us, it would have still been wise to have a virtual aspect based on our results last year, 70,000 views virtually,” Alex Morissey, founder and director of Esirom Limited, told The Gleaner.

The event has seen 5,000 patrons attending previous in-person concerts. This would have proven to be problematic in implementing social distancing and other necessary protocols. So the team was happy to make good on its promise to bring electrifying performances to the comfort of viewers’ homes.

Endorsed by the Ministry of Tourism, the Jamaica Tourist Board and Miss Jamaica World 2021 Khalia Hall, Earth Hour concert was aired last Saturday to a virtual audience.

During the pre-recording, the show got off to a rocky start at the Bob Marley Museum after experiencing an almost four-hour delay, due to torrential rainfall. “It’s called Earth Hour, right? We let earth run its course and started filming as soon as we could,” project manager Chambers revealed.

Despite the hiccup, host Terri-Karelle Reid successfully captained the virtual ship, sailing away with viewers to the roots of reggae, before docking at the riddims and lyrics of dancehall.

Aimed at supplying down-to-earth, rootsy vibes, up-and-coming artiste King X welcomed his audience with Greatest Blessings and Trust, before leaving them to Wonder with Questions. Next up was Christopher Ellis, the son of the legendary singer Alton Ellis, who gave viewers rich reggae sounds of Rub a Dub and Flame Against The Wind, serenaded the ladies with a rendition of his late father’s hit song, I’m Still in Love, while reminiscing on the glory days with Still A Go Dance.

Singer and songwriter Blvk H3ro took the online audience on a journey through the realities of It Nuh Easy and Nyahbinhgi Order then on to the sultry tones of Love and the positive message of Stand and Fight.

Sevana’s soulful spark connected with her audience, creating magic with Blessed Note and serenading with sweet songs like Mango, while sharing necessary narratives through Bit Too Shy, Haul and Pull and Feel A Way.

Then it was time for headliner Agent Sasco. Displaying versatility and a purely conscious energy, in that moment he was Grateful to be Stronger, delivering timeless social commentary in Almighty Protects Me and Fade Away.

Morissey’s hope is that this initiative will help in encouraging viewers and the wider public to engage in safer environmental practices.

krysta.anderson@gleanerjm.com