Jimmy Cliff remembered as tributes pour in

Prime Minister Andrew Holness, UB40, Sean Paul, Shaggy, Luciano, Vybz Kartel, Bounty Killer and many others are flooding social media with tributes to reggae legend Jimmy Cliff, who has passed away at age 81.

On Instagram, Prime Minister Andrew Holness remembered Jimmy Cliff as a true cultural giant whose music carried the heart of Jamaica to the world. He highlighted timeless songs like Many Rivers to Cross, The Harder They Come, You Can Get It If You Really Want and Sitting in Limbo, noting that Jimmy Cliff told Jamaica’s story with honesty and soul.

Minister of Entertainment and Culture Olivia Babsy Grange said Jimmy Cliff’s passing is a significant loss for Jamaica and the world.

Opposition Leader Mark Golding also shared his tribute, calling Jimmy Cliff a true icon of Jamaican music and culture. He noted that from The Harder They Come to Many Rivers to Cross, Cliff’s music transcended borders and inspired generations.

International acts and industry greats including UB40, Luciano, Sean Paul, Shaggy, Vybz Kartel, Bounty Killer, Bugle, Nature Ellis and Tads Records are among the many paying heartfelt respect.

A global star since the 1960s, Jimmy Cliff carried the sound of Jamaica across the world with hits like Wonderful World, Beautiful People and You Can Get It If You Really Want.

He also made his mark on screen with his lead role in the 1972 Jamaican classic The Harder They Come, followed by appearances in films such as the 1986 comedy Club Paradise.

Though he ventured into rock and other genres, Jimmy Cliff remained best known for a musical journey spanning six decades and dozens of albums. His most recent project was 2022’s Refugees.

Throughout his career, the cultural icon earned major honors including the IRIE FM Lifetime Achievement Award in 2017, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction in 2010 and the Order of Merit which is Jamaica’s highest national honor for arts and culture. In 2019, a road in Montego Bay was renamed Jimmy Cliff Boulevard in his honor and in 2021 he received an official Reggae Ambassador passport.

Jimmy Cliff was born James Chambers on July 30, 1944. He passed away at the age of 81.