Jimmy Cliff, the celebrated Jamaican reggae singer who helped bring reggae to the world stage, has died at the age of 81. His family confirmed that he passed away after suffering a seizure followed by pneumonia.
Cliff was best known for timeless songs such as The Harder They Come, You Can Get It If You Really Want, and I Can See Clearly Now.
Born James Chambers, he became an international star not only through his music but also his acting — in the landmark film The Harder They Come (1972), which played a major role in globalizing reggae.
His wife, Latifa Chambers, expressed gratitude to fans and colleagues, saying, “Your support was his strength throughout his whole career … He really appreciated each and every fan for their love.”
Cliff’s death marks the end of an era.
He leaves behind a powerful legacy, having been honoured with Jamaica’s Order of Merit — one of the nation’s highest cultural awards.
