Jimmy Cliff, Jamaican reggae legend, has died

Jimmy Cliff, singer and actor who helped transform reggae into a global phenomenon, has died at the age of 81. The news of his passing was given by his wife Latifa Chambers, who wrote on Instagram: “It is with deep sadness that I announce to you that my husband, Jimmy Cliff, has passed away due to a epileptic seizure followed by pneumonia. I am grateful to his family, his friends, his colleagues and artists who shared his journey with him. To all his fans around the world, know that your support has been his strength throughout his career… Jimmy, my darling, may you rest in peace. I will follow your wishes.” His message was also signed by his children, Lilty and Aken.

Cliff is the author of numerous hits such as “You Can Get It If You Really Want”, “I Can See Clearly Now” and “Wonderful World, Beautiful People” which, together with his cheerful temperament, have won him a large fan base. His starring role in the 1972 crime film “The Harder They Come” is also considered a milestone in Jamaican cinema.

He is one of the few musicians, along with Bob Marley and others, to have received theJamaican Order of Merit.