Every year, in a bid to raise awareness, conservation organisations globally recognise Earth Hour. This is one hour on the last Saturday in March where all non-essential electric lights are turned off in solidarity to show commitment to the rehabilitation of Earth. Leading the charge locally is the sustainability focused Esirom Foundation through its Earth Hour Jamaica acoustic concert.
Entering its eleventh year and its second physical iteration since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Earth Hour concert is set to reclaim the grounds of Hope Gardens once again this Saturday, March 23. Gates open at 4 p.m. and the event will run from 6 p.m. until 10 p.m.According to Alex Morrissey, the founder and director of Esirom, the choice of venue is strategic. He explained to The Gleaner that the event will feature interactive activities designed to appeal to all attendees, in addition to the main stage show.
“[The year 2023] was the first year that we had an interactive play area for both kids and adults where we created games that were made from up-cycled materials. This year we’re bringing that back and introducing more games, because not everyone wants to watch the concert or walk around and visit the booths. The Esirom Foundation is working on projects in sustainable consumption as well as environmental protection. We wanted to introduce wildlife into the experience as well, so, we partnered with Hope Zoo [and] we’ll have a petting zoo before the show starts. We wanted to make sure we have something for everyone,” Morrissey explained.
The show segment is to feature a dynamic selection of Jamaican reggae artistes with this year’s line-up including Etana, Alaine, Iotosh, Alexx A-Game and Warrior King. Speaking with The Gleaner, reggae artiste Warrior King said that he was elated at the opportunity to perform. He fully supports the message of sustainability which he finds align seamlessly with his brand.
“Sustainability is a passion of mine for quite some time now. I strongly believe that when humans were created, our first responsibility was to protect the planet Earth and I’ve been trying my best to maintain that responsibility,” he said, adding, “I recycle bottles and old tyres and use them around my home and I also properly dispose of my garbage. I was recently made the ambassador for TeamSeas Jamaica, a non-profit organisation, which is on a quest to clean up the rivers, oceans and seas across the planet and bring more awareness to the people of the planet.” Fans of Warrior King can anticipate a special acoustic set, accompanied by his Rootz Warrior Band. The Can’t Get Me Down singer says that even though his set will include fan-favourites from his catalogue, it won’t be a “regular performance” and the audience will leave feeling empowered.
Singer Alaine is also happy to be a part of the line-up. “This initiative has been leading on the ground in Jamaica for so long and has been bringing such impact to environmental causes and so as a musician I can help to bring the message to the people,” the God First singer-songwriter shared in a release.
In addition to activities promoting sustainability and wildlife preservation, the Earth Hour concert will be a plastic free venue. This will encourage patrons and vendors to make use of reusable and biodegradable cups and utensils. Any plastic waste from the event slipping through cracks will be recycled and organic waste will be composted by the Esirom Foundation.
“[We want to] set an example to show others that you don’t need to have an event the typical way for it to be successful. There are different options,” said Morrissey.
