Keznamdi’s Heartfelt Tribute at Earth Hour Jamaica Concert
On a vibrant Saturday night at the Hope Botanical Gardens, reggae artist Keznamdi took the stage for the much-anticipated Earth Hour Jamaica concert, an event dedicated to raising awareness about climate change and sustainability. But this year, the concert held a deeper significance for Keznamdi, who had two surprises planned that would touch the hearts of many.
Before the show, Keznamdi decided to call his sister, Kelissa, on stage for an impromptu performance. The excitement in the air was palpable as the crowd of 8,000 patrons settled in on the lush lawns, eagerly awaiting the musical festivities. Kelissa, known for her soulful voice and captivating stage presence, performed her single "The Best Kept Secret," also known as "Locked Away." “I felt good that he called me on stage. I give thanks! Mi love stage,” she shared, radiating joy as she connected with the audience.
But that wasn’t all. Keznamdi also took a moment to honor Michael Morrissey, the father of the event’s founder, Alex Morrissey, who had passed away just two days prior. The emotional weight of the tribute was evident as Alex, scanning e-tickets at the entrance, was brought to tears. “I was at the ticket booth shedding some tears… Losing him was very unexpected,” Alex reflected, recalling how his father had been a vibrant presence at last year’s event.
Michael Morrissey, who passed on July 17, 2024, was a pivotal figure in the Earth Hour initiative since its inception a decade ago. Alex reminisced about the last time his father attended the concert, describing him as the fittest person he knew, despite being 79 years old. “He was always speaking of Jamaicans needing to be exposed to things that are not really accessible to them locally,” Alex said, highlighting his father’s passion for community engagement and sustainability.
The concert featured a sustainable bowling alley made from recycled materials, a project that brought Michael immense pride. “He did say that he’s a proud father and he could see all of the work over the years,” Alex added, emphasizing the emotional connection between family and the mission of Earth Hour Jamaica.
Keznamdi, performing for the third time at this event, opened his set with "Time," a poignant reminder of life’s uncertainties. “One thing we certain about [in] life, is that all of us are going to die, but the only uncertainty is that you don’t know when,” he told the audience, setting a reflective tone for the night. Alongside him, other talented artists like Zaila-Jazz, Irie Souljah, Sevana, and Luciano graced the stage, creating a rich tapestry of Jamaican music.
As the night unfolded, the atmosphere was filled with love, remembrance, and a shared commitment to sustainability. Keznamdi’s heartfelt gestures and Kelissa’s enchanting performance reminded everyone present of the power of music to unite and heal. With the echoes of their songs still resonating in the gardens, one can’t help but wonder: how will we continue to honor those we’ve lost while fighting for a sustainable future?
