24th November, 2025
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Jamaican reggae icon Jimmy Cliff, who played a pivotal role in introducing Caribbean music to international audiences, has passed away at the age of 81.
His wife, Latifa Chambers, confirmed the musician’s death through an Instagram announcement, revealing he died following a seizure and pneumonia.
In her emotional statement, Chambers thanked the global fanbase that supported Cliff throughout his illustrious six-decade career. “It’s with profound sadness that I share that my husband, Jimmy Cliff, has crossed over due to a seizure followed by pneumonia,” she wrote. “To all his fans around the world, please know that your support was his strength throughout his whole career. He really appreciated each and every fan for their love.”
The grieving wife also expressed appreciation to Dr. Couceyro and the medical team for their care during Cliff’s final days, while requesting privacy for the family during this difficult period.
Born James Chambers on July 30, 1944, in Saint James, Jamaica, Cliff discovered his musical calling early, writing songs while attending primary school and drawing inspiration from a neighbour’s sound system. At 14, his father relocated him to Kingston, where he adopted the stage name that would become synonymous with reggae excellence.
His breakthrough arrived at 17 with the hit single “Hurricane Hattie,” launching a career that would see him become one of reggae’s most influential ambassadors. Songs like “Many Rivers to Cross,” “You Can Get It If You Really Want,” “The Harder They Come,” and his cover of “I Can See Clearly Now” became anthems that transcended cultural boundaries.
Cliff’s starring role in the 1972 landmark film “The Harder They Come” proved instrumental in popularizing reggae worldwide. The movie and its soundtrack introduced global audiences to the vibrancy and power of Jamaican music, cementing Cliff’s status as a cultural icon.
Throughout his career, Cliff collaborated with legendary artists including the Rolling Stones, Paul Simon, Wyclef Jean, and Annie Lennox. His songs have been covered by Bruce Springsteen, John Lennon, and Willie Nelson, demonstrating his far-reaching influence across genres.
In 2010, Cliff received one of his highest honours when he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, joining an elite group of performers recognized for their transformative impact on music. He won two Grammy Awards for Best Reggae Album in 1986 for “Cliff Hanger” and in 2012 for “Rebirth.”
At the time of his passing, Cliff held Jamaica’s Order of Merit, the nation’s highest honour for achievements in the arts and sciences, making him the only living reggae musician with this distinction.
Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness paid tribute to the fallen icon, describing him as “a true cultural giant whose music carried the heart of our nation to the world.”
Cliff is survived by his wife Latifa and children Lilty and Aken. His final studio album, “Refugees,” was released in 2022.