Jimmy Cliff was one of the greatest proponents of Jamaican music — Minister Grange

Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Olivia Grange, says that with the passing of Jimmy Cliff Jamaica and the world have lost undoubtedly one of the greatest proponents of Jamaican Music and a film pioneer.

Jimmy Cliff's passing was announced by his family today. He was 81 years old.

"I spoke with Jimmy's wife and conveyed my personal condolences and that of the Government of Jamaica following his passing. He died at approximately one o'clock this morning in hospital. This has left us deeply saddened as the transitioning of Jimmy Cliff represents a major loss, not just for Jamaica but for the world. He gave so much of his life to delivering music which had a peculiar and relevant message and resonated in every corner of the globe," Minister Grange said in a press release.

"Jimmy Cliff is no doubt a pioneer of music and must also be appropriately hailed as a legend of our time. His songs including Many Rivers to Cross, You Can Get It If You Really Want, The Harder They Come, Reggae Night and Hakuna Matata, left a positive impact on million of people across the globe. Jimmy was a unique talent who has left an indelible mark on the global music industry. He also had diverse talents and was known for his mastery of ska, rocksteady, reggae and roul. We should not forget that Jimmy was also an accomplished actor."

Born July 30, 1944, Jimmy Cliff's given was James Chambers. He was the recipient of Jamaica's third highest national honour, the Order of Merit.

In March 2019, in honour of Jimmy, the Government of Jamaica spearheaded the renaming ceremony of the Jimmy Cliff Boulevard in Montego Bay, St. James. In January 2021, the Government also presented Jimmy with an official passport in recognition of his status as a Reggae Ambassador.

Jimmy Cliff's outstanding contribution to Jamaica and the world was also specially recognised during Jamaica 55 celebrations.

"Our sincerest sympathy to his family, relatives, associates, and friends and to the music and film fraternities. You have sung and acted your way into hearts of Jamaicans and the world. Rest well Jimmy Cliff," Minister Grange said in closing.