Jimmy Cliff dead: Jamaican PM and Cat Stevens lead tributes to pioneering reggae icon
Jimmy Cliff, the iconic Jamaican singer responsible for helping to popularise reggae to the world, has died aged 81.
The news was announced by his wife, Latifa Chambers, on November 24th, who wrote on Instagram: “It’s with profound sadness that I share that my husband, Jimmy Cliff, has crossed over due to a seizure followed by pneumonia. I am thankful for his family, friends, fellow artists and coworkers who have shared his journey with him.”
She added: “To all his fans around the world, please know that your support was his strength throughout his whole career … Jimmy, my darling, may you rest in peace. I will follow your wishes.”
The ‘You Can Get It If You Really Want’ singer became a cultural icon of his home nation, becoming the only living reggae singer to be awarded the Order of Merit, the highest honour from the Jamaican government for services to arts and sciences.
Cliff had a number of hit singles in his native Jamaica before his career skyrocketed with the release of his acclaimed album Hard Road to Travel in 1967, which opened him up to a worldwide audience.
Over the years, some of his other greatest hits included ‘Many Rivers To Cross’ and ‘The Harder They Come’, as well as ‘Hakuna Matata’, which he performed for the soundtrack of The Lion King.
During the 1970s, he also became an actor, starring in the film The Harder They Come, for which the song of the same name was the lead single of the soundtrack, and the comedy Club Paradise in 1986.
Cliff was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2010 for his seismic impact on reggae music, which he responded to at the time by saying: “This is good for Cliff, good for Jamaican music and good for my country.” At the ceremony, he was inducted by Wyclef Jean.
Leading the tributes, Jamaican Prime Minister, Andrew Holness, wrote on X: “Today, Jamaica pauses to honour the life of the Honourable Jimmy Cliff, OM, a true cultural giant whose music carried the heart of our nation to the world.”
He added: “I extend heartfelt condolences to his family, loved ones, and to every Jamaican, I know we feel this loss deeply. Walk good, Jimmy Cliff. Your legacy lives on in every corner of our island and in the hearts of the Jamaican people.”
Also taking to X was UB40’s Ali Campbell, who wrote: “Absolutely heartbroken to hear about the passing of a Reggae forefather Jimmy Cliff. A true foundation, a pillar of our music, and one of the first to carry reggae out into the world. Rest Easy King, Many Rivers To Cross.”
Radio broadcaster Edward Adoo similarly paid tribute, posting a picture of him and Cliff while saying: “I’ve just heard the sad news that Jimmy Cliff has passed away. A pioneer, icon and legend. I had the pleasure of meeting him in New York at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2010. He was about to be inducted that evening. Jimmy thanks for the music. Thanks for everything. RIP”
The Jamaican Leader of the Opposition, Mark J Golding, wrote on X: “Saddened to hear of the passing of the legendary Jimmy Cliff, a true icon of Jamaican music and culture. He was the only living reggae musician to hold the Order of Merit, his contributions to reggae and Jamaica’s global cultural footprint are immeasurable.”
Prominent women’s rights campaigner and activist Dr Shola Mos-Shogbamimu also posted a clip of Cliff singing ‘Many Rivers To Cross’, her “favourite Jimmy Cliff song”, before adding: “Rest in peace Legend as you cross over to join the ancestors.”
The Bodysnatchers frontwoman Rhoda Dakar took to Instagram to post an extensive tribute to Cliff, which she concluded with: “As a foundation artist, Jimmy Cliff’s death is a significant moment in the history of Reggae. I hope he had a good, comfortable life and I trust he died surrounded by loved ones. That’s all any of us can ask.”
Additionally, Yusuf / Cat Stevens also shared some heartfelt words on the social media platform, owing to the fact that Cliff created a hugely successful cover of his 1970 song ‘Wild World’. He said: “Jimmy Cliff was a powerful presence in my life – he always seemed to be there at crucial stages on my journey. We had success together in the early days with Wild World, we bumped into each other by strange and wonderful coincidence on pilgrimage in Mecca, and we also connected at the Mandela 46664 concert that marked my return to mainstream music.”
Stevens added: “GOD BLESS HIM, his songs always had some message of peace – may he find it now and forever.”
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