Jimmy Cliff, the iconic Jamaican musician who played a pivotal role in bringing reggae music to a global audience, has passed away, his family announced on Monday through his official Instagram account. He was 81 years old.

In a heartfelt message shared online, his wife, Latifa Chambers, revealed that Cliff died after suffering a seizure followed by pneumonia. “It is with profound sadness that I share that my husband, Jimmy Cliff, has crossed over,” she wrote. “I am deeply grateful for his family, friends, fellow artists, and colleagues who walked alongside him throughout his remarkable journey.”

Cliff rose to international fame with timeless songs such as “Many Rivers to Cross” and “The Harder They Come.” The latter also served as the title track for the groundbreaking 1972 film The Harder They Come, in whi

Jimmy Cliff, the iconic Jamaican musician who played a pivotal role in bringing reggae music to a global audience, has passed away, his family announced on Monday through his official Instagram account. He was 81 years old.

In a heartfelt message shared online, his wife, Latifa Chambers, revealed that Cliff died after suffering a seizure followed by pneumonia. “It is with profound sadness that I share that my husband, Jimmy Cliff, has crossed over,” she wrote. “I am deeply grateful for his family, friends, fellow artists, and colleagues who walked alongside him throughout his remarkable journey.”

Cliff rose to international fame with timeless songs such as “Many Rivers to Cross” and “The Harder They Come.” The latter also served as the title track for the groundbreaking 1972 film The Harder They Come, in which Cliff starred. Both the movie and its soundtrack achieved major success worldwide, introducing many international listeners to reggae for the first time and cementing Cliff’s status as a cultural trailblazer.

Beyond his musical achievements, Jimmy Cliff was widely admired for using his art to address themes of struggle, hope, and social justice. His work resonated deeply with audiences facing hardship, and his influence extended far beyond Jamaica’s borders.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness paid tribute to the late singer, stating that Cliff’s music “lifted people through hard times, inspired generations, and helped to shape the global respect that Jamaican culture enjoys today.” The Prime Minister’s words echoed the sentiments of many who viewed Cliff not only as an artist, but as an ambassador of Jamaican identity.

Following the news of his passing, tributes poured in from across the music industry. Artists from different generations and genres acknowledged Cliff’s foundational role in reggae’s global rise. Ali Campbell of the British reggae band UB40 described him as “a true foundation, a pillar of our music, and one of the first to carry reggae out into the world.”

Jimmy Cliff’s legacy lives on through his music, his influence on countless artists, and his lasting contribution to world culture. He will be remembered as a pioneer whose voice helped reggae transcend borders and generations.

ch Cliff starred. Both the movie and its soundtrack achieved major success worldwide, introducing many international listeners to reggae for the first time and cementing Cliff’s status as a cultural trailblazer.

Beyond his musical achievements, Jimmy Cliff was widely admired for using his art to address themes of struggle, hope, and social justice. His work resonated deeply with audiences facing hardship, and his influence extended far beyond Jamaica’s borders.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness paid tribute to the late singer, stating that Cliff’s music “lifted people through hard times, inspired generations, and helped to shape the global respect that Jamaican culture enjoys today.” The Prime Minister’s words echoed the sentiments of many who viewed Cliff not only as an artist, but as an ambassador of Jamaican identity.

Following the news of his passing, tributes poured in from across the music industry. Artists from different generations and genres acknowledged Cliff’s foundational role in reggae’s global rise. Ali Campbell of the British reggae band UB40 described him as “a true foundation, a pillar of our music, and one of the first to carry reggae out into the world.”

Jimmy Cliff’s legacy lives on through his music, his influence on countless artists, and his lasting contribution to world culture. He will be remembered as a pioneer whose voice helped reggae transcend borders and generations.