The Jamaican edition of Earth Hour 2023 was an amalgamation of mission, mood, and music.

Some 400 patrons converged on Hope Gardens, Saturday afternoon, to participate in the observance of the worldwide effort on its return to an in-person format since 2019.

With 4,000 logged on via social media platforms, the community of ‘Earth savers’ earned its throng status.

A delayed start and occasional glitches did nothing to waver the mission of embrace to secure Mother Earth and reduce carbon footprint.

Tickets for the free events were attainable through online registration as a feature of preserving the planet’s resources.

Earth Hour is a worldwide movement organised by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF). Locally, it is the vision of Alex Morrissey, ESIROM Foundation’s head.

The event is held annually, encouraging individuals, communities, and businesses to turn off non-essential electric lights for one hour on the last Saturday of March as a symbol of commitment to the planet. It is the single, largest, symbolic mass participation event in the world that was born out of a hope to mobilise people to take action on climate change.

In true Jamaican style, the acoustic concert featured a star-studded line-up which did not disappoint.

Five-Star Celestial led off the on-stage magic with conscious lyrics and bouts of commentary on the corruption and other ills facing the country.

He shared the stage with up-and-comer Chris Malachi in a show of harmony and togetherness.

Jamila Falak took to the stage with her double bass and three sisters in orchestra — cello, flute, and guitar. They offered a mellifluent vibe that was an embrace to the night sky.

Hosts Vaughn Thorpe and Terri-Karelle Reid used the opportunity of set changes to share edutainment, backed by giveaways from the event’s sponsors.

The signature over 100-piece lantern show was not on full display for 2023, but the organisers managed to release a few.

Minister of Entertainment Olivia “Babsy” Grange congratulated and encouraged the attendees for joining this mission.

She acknowledge that Jamaica was part of an over 190-country observance, with our acoustic concert activation ranking in the top 5 worldwide.

Sets from Ras I and Jody Jay wowed the attendees with some rising to their feet from blankets strewn on the Hope Gardens lawns to honour the sharing of talent on the stage.

Fantan Mojah was in fit form as he delivered a powerhouse performance with his signature backpack in tow. Delivering hit after hit and engaging the audience were the hallmark of his hour-long set. He harked as far back as his debut album, Hail the King.

In ‘welcoming the fire child’ fashion he shared the stage with young artiste Eugene.

The night’s headline Queen Ifrica delivered for Mother Earth. She unleashed a slew of hits from her catalogue, also dropping a brand-new number, Proud A Miself, produced by Nuh Rush Records.

Celebrating her 48th birthday, the queen donned a bodysuit and denim façade overlay for the Earth Hour acoustic session.

She shared stage with some five artistes, among them her daughter and first-born son. Her set continued well into the evening as the clock marched to midnight.

Still, the audience stood in place fervent in the mission for the planet.