Pose actor and singer Billy Porter will join South African media icon Bonang Matheba as co-hosts of the 4th Annual Earthshot Prize Awards in Cape Town, taking place on 6 November. The prestigious event, founded by Prince William, celebrates innovative environmental solutions and is expected to bring a global spotlight to Cape Town.
South African actress and activist Nomzamo Mbatha, known for her role in Shaka iLembe, will lead the Earthshot Week running from 4–7 November, a series of thought-provoking discussions and events designed to engage attendees and viewers with environmental innovations and pressing climate issues. Mbatha will be joined by Australian conservationist and wildlife photographer Robert Irwin, son of the late Steve Irwin, to co-host these dialogues.
Porter expressed his excitement, sharing, “It’s an honour to co-host this year’s Earthshot Prize Awards and help celebrate these inspiring innovators working to create a better future for everyone. I’m so inspired by the Earthshot community and can’t wait to be part of an evening that celebrates creativity, human ingenuity, and artistry in all its different forms.”
Matheba echoed his sentiments, “I am excited to celebrate these incredible innovators who are making a significant impact on our planet, as well as highlight the vibrant spirit, resilience, and unwavering commitment of environmental leaders across Africa and from around the world.”
The event will see appearances from notable figures, including supermodels Heidi Klum and Winnie Harlow, along with The Vampire Diaries star Nina Dobrev and actor-musician Tobe Nwigwe. The musical line-up features celebrated artists like Nigerian star Davido, Tanzanian sensation Diamond Platnumz, South African music icons Lebo M and Ndlovu Youth Choir, and the popular DJ Uncle Waffles.
Earthshot Prize Finalists and Categories
The Earthshot Prize, established to encourage and reward environmental innovation, will spotlight 15 finalists who have pioneered solutions to the world’s climate challenges. Five winners from among the finalists will each receive a £1 million (approximately R23 million) award. The finalists’ efforts span five categories:
- Protect and Restore Nature
- Clean Our Air
- Revive Our Oceans
- Build a Waste-Free World
- Fix Our Climate
The awards ceremony is expected to reach a massive audience across Africa, airing on over 50 platforms across the continent.
A special “green carpet” pre-show will be hosted by Nigerian media star Ebuka Obi-Uchendu and South African TV personality Nomuzi Mabena, highlighting the event’s eco-friendly focus.
Reflecting on her role, Mbatha shared, “I can’t wait to once again be part of Earthshot Week, this time as host and an Earthshot Global ambassador. The Earthshot Prize continues to bring its message of urgent optimism to a global audience and reminds us all, especially young people, that we can be part of creating a healthier, more prosperous future for our communities.”
With its impressive roster and message of “urgent optimism,” the Earthshot Prize Awards aim to inspire action and solutions to create a sustainable future for the planet.
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