Jimmy Cliff, the legendary Jamaican singer and a pivotal figure in bringing reggae music to the world, has died at the age of 81.
His death was confirmed by his wife Latifa Chambers in an
Instagram post on Monday.
According to the announcement, the iconic musician passed
away after suffering a seizure linked to a battle with pneumonia, an infection
that causes inflammation in the lungs.
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.
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