By Obinna Uballa
Jimmy Cliff, the legendary Jamaican singer, songwriter and actor who helped take reggae to the world, has died at the age of 81.
Cliff’s wife, Latifa Chambers, confirmed his passing in a statement on Instagram, revealing that he died following a seizure that was compounded by pneumonia.
“It’s with profound sadness that I share that my husband, Jimmy Cliff, has crossed over,” she wrote, thanking fans, colleagues and loved ones for supporting him throughout his six-decade career. The message was also signed by their children, Lilty and Aken.
Born James Chambers in 1948 in rural St. James, Jamaica, Cliff rose from deep poverty to become one of reggae’s most influential voices. Gifted with a warm, fluid tenor, he began singing in church at age six and moved to Kingston at 14, adopting the name “Cliff” to reflect the heights he intended to climb.
His breakthrough came early with Hurricane Hattie, a self-written hit that topped the Jamaican charts. By 1965, he was in London working with Island Records, laying the groundwork for reggae’s eventual international explosion.
Cliff became a global figure with hits such as Wonderful World, Beautiful People, Vietnam – which Bob Dylan once praised as “the best protest song ever written” – and You Can Get It If You Really Want, an anthem that embodied his uplifting style.
However, it was his starring role in the 1972 film The Harder They Come that cemented his legacy. Playing Ivan Martin, an ambitious young singer navigating Jamaica’s corrupt music industry, Cliff delivered a performance that became a cultural touchstone. The film is widely credited with introducing reggae to U.S. audiences and reshaping global perceptions of Jamaican music and identity.
“The film opened the door for Jamaica,” Cliff later reflected. “It said, ‘This is where this music comes from.’”
Across his career, Cliff released Grammy-winning albums including Cliff Hanger (1985) and Rebirth (2012). In 2010, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, receiving recognition for his pioneering impact on world music.
Jimmy Cliff’s influence went far beyond charts and awards – his work shaped reggae’s global journey and inspired generations of artists. He leaves behind a rich catalogue, a groundbreaking film legacy and millions of admirers around the world.
