Jimmy Cliff dies at 81 after seven-decade career shaping reggae’s global reach

Jimmy Cliff, the Jamaican singer, songwriter and actor whose work helped bring reggae to international attention, has died at the age of 81. His wife, Latifa Chambers, announced his death via Instagram, stating that the cause was pneumonia following a seizure.

Cliff’s career spanned seven decades, during which he became one of Jamaica’s most recognisable musical figures. He was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2010, where Wyclef Jean credited him as an influence on generations of Caribbean artists, particularly those striving for global recognition despite limited resources.

Born James Chambers in Somerton near Montego Bay in 1944, Cliff left home at 13 and moved to Kingston. He spent his early years performing in talent contests and working with producers such as Leslie Kong and Chris Blackwell, developing a sound shaped by mento, ska, rocksteady and American soul.

He became a hitmaker in Jamaica before taking reggae abroad, although later overshadowed by Bob Marley. Cliff described reggae as “a music of resistance, a need for recognition, identity and respect.”

His catalogue included widely recognised songs such as “Vietnam,” described by Bob Dylan as one of the most powerful protest tracks, and his versions of “Wild World” and “I Can See Clearly Now,” the latter recorded for the 1993 film Cool Runnings.

Cliff’s international breakthrough came through his lead role in the 1972 film The Harder They Come, which brought Jamaican culture, language and music to wider audiences. His portrayal of Ivanhoe Martin resonated with many Jamaicans and helped define reggae’s early cinematic presence.

Across more than 30 albums, Cliff explored varied musical styles and addressed global issues, including on his 2022 album Refugees.

He continued performing into recent years and maintained a significant following. Cliff is survived by several children, including Nabiyah Be, Aken and Lilty.