Jamaican Reggae Legend, Jimmy Cliff Dies at 81

By: Aremu Toyeebaht

Reggae legend Jimmy Cliff has died at 81, leaving a towering legacy in music and film. His wife, Latifa Chambers, confirmed that the iconic Jamaican singer and actor passed away following a seizure and complications from pneumonia.

Cliff’s career, spanning over six decades, helped propel Jamaican music onto the global stage. Hits such as Wonderful World, Beautiful People, and You Can Get It If You Really Want established him as one of reggae’s most influential figures, bringing the rhythms of Kingston to audiences worldwide.

Beyond music, Cliff’s impact extended into cinema. His celebrated role as Ivan in the 1972 film The Harder They Come is widely credited with introducing reggae to American audiences, helping solidify the genre’s place in global pop culture.

In a heartfelt Instagram post, Chambers announced her husband’s passing: “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.

She thanked fans and colleagues for their support throughout Cliff’s career, noting, “To all his fans around the world, please know that your support was his strength throughout his whole career.”

Signed also by their children, Lilty and Aken, her message concluded with a personal farewell: “Jimmy, my darling, may you rest in peace. I will follow your wishes.”

Jimmy Cliff leaves behind a legacy that reshaped reggae music, inspired generations of artists, and remains deeply embedded in Jamaica’s cultural identity and the wider global music landscape.