Jamaican Reggae Legend Jimmy Cliff has died
Jamaica Live Entertainment Report | Nov 24, 2025
Jamaica and the global music community are mourning the loss of one of the country’s most beloved cultural giants, Jimmy Cliff, who passed away following a seizure complicated by pneumonia. He was 81 years old.
In a heartfelt statement, his wife Latifa, and their children Lilty and Aken, shared the devastating news with the world:
*“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. 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 on July 30, 1944, in Somerton, St. James, Jimmy Cliff would rise from humble beginnings to become one of the most influential voices in Jamaican music history. He began singing as a teenager and recorded his first songs while still in school. By age 14, he secured his breakthrough hit “Hurricane Hattie”, marking the start of a career that would reshape the trajectory of Jamaican music forever.
A Pioneer of Reggae’s Global Rise
Jimmy Cliff was one of the first artists to carry Jamaican music onto the international stage. Long before reggae dominated charts and festivals around the world, Cliff was already performing overseas, bridging cultures through his extraordinary voice and timeless messages.
His groundbreaking role in the iconic 1972 film The Harder They Come introduced reggae to global audiences. The soundtrack—featuring classics like “You Can Get It If You Really Want,” “The Harder They Come,” and “Many Rivers to Cross”—became a cultural landmark that helped push reggae into mainstream consciousness.
Cliff’s music embodied hope, struggle, spirituality, and Jamaican resilience. His lyrics touched generations across continents, transcending language and borders. His later hit “I Can See Clearly Now” became an anthem of triumph and clarity for millions.
Through his art, Jimmy Cliff became not just a singer, but a cultural ambassador of Jamaica, inspiring artists of every genre and cementing reggae as a global movement.
Jimmy Cliff was awarded the Order of Merit, one of Jamaica’s highest honours, recognizing his enormous contribution to the country’s culture. His influence spans decades and remains firmly rooted in the DNA of reggae music.
From ska and rocksteady to roots reggae and global collaborations, Cliff never stopped evolving. His message remained constant: upliftment, unity, spiritual strength, and the unbreakable spirit of Jamaica.
Though he has crossed over, his voice will keep singing through the generations. His lyrics will continue to guide and inspire. His contributions will forever live in the heart of Jamaican culture and the global music landscape.
Rest peacefully, Jimmy Cliff.
A true legend. A true son of Jamaica.