Reggae legend Jimmy Cliff dies at 81

The global music industry is mourning the loss of Jimmy Cliff, the Jamaican icon whose timeless sound helped propel reggae onto the world stage. He passed away at the age of 81.

Cliff’s wife, Latifa Chambers, confirmed his death in an emotional Instagram post on Monday.

According to the announcement, the celebrated musician suffered a seizure connected to complications from pneumonia, a severe lung infection.

She expressed gratitude to the veteran’s friends, fans, and the supportive medical team, saying their encouragement had been a source of strength for him throughout his career and a comfort to her and their children during this “difficult process”.

“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.

“I am thankful for his family, friends, fellow artists and coworkers who have shared his journey with him. 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. I also wanted to thank Dr. Couceyro and the whole medical staff, as they have been extremely supportive and helpful during this difficult process.

“Jimmy, my darling, may you rest in peace. I will follow your wishes. I hope you all can respect our privacy during these hard times. Further information will be provided at a later date. See you and we see you Legend. Latifa, Lilty and Aken.”

Born James Chambers, Jimmy Cliff was a rocksteady, reggae, and soul musician, as well as a multi-instrumentalist, singer, and actor.

He began writing songs while in primary school inspired by a neighbour’s sound system. At 14, his father took him to Kingston, where he adopted the stage name Jimmy Cliff.

His breakthrough came at 17 with the hit single ‘Hurricane Hattie’. He introduced reggae to a global audience with songs like ‘Many Rivers to Cross’, ‘You Can Get It If You Really Want’, ‘The Harder They Come’, ‘Reggae Night’, and ‘Hakuna Matata’.

Cliff also starred in films, most notably ‘The Harder They Come’, which played a key role in popularising reggae worldwide, and ‘Club Paradise’.

Over the years, he received widespread acclaim for his talent and contributions to music.

In 2010, he was among five performers inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

At the time of his death, he was the only living reggae musician to hold the Order of Merit, Jamaica’s highest honour for achievements in the arts and sciences.

Cliff is survived by Latifa, their daughter Lilty, and son Aken.