Jamaican reggae legend Jimmy Cliff dies aged 81 after seizure and pneumonia By Luís Henrique Costa
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Jimmy Cliff, Jamaican singer and songwriter considered one of the biggest names in reggae, died at the age of 81 this Monday (24). The information was confirmed by the family in an official statement released by his wife, Latifa Cliff. The artist suffered a seizure resulting from pneumonia and did not survive.
The musician was at his residence in Kingston, capital of Jamaica, when he fell ill. Equipes doctors provided care, but the condition evolved quickly. The family was grateful for the support received and asked for privacy during their mourning.
The death of the artist, born James Chambers on July 30, 1944, ends the trajectory of one of the pioneers of the genre who brought reggae to the world.
Career marked by global successes
Jimmy Cliff began his musical career in the 1960s at Jamaica. Ele recorded his first singles at the age of 14 and soon stood out in the local ska and rocksteady scene.
International recognition came with the album “Wonderful World, Beautiful People” (1969) and especially with the soundtrack for the film “The Harder They Come” (1972). The production, in which he also starred, brought reggae to audiences outside of Caribe.
Classics such as “Many Rivers to Cross”, “You Can Get It If You Really Want” and “I
Long connection to Brasil
The artist has maintained a close relationship with Brasil since 1968, when he participated in Festival Internacional and Canção in Maracanãzinho. Na occasion defended the song “Waterfall” and was impressed by the audience.
The experience inspired the composition “Wonderful World, Beautiful People”. No recorded the album “Jimmy Cliff in Brazil” in the same period, with English versions of Brazilian hits.
During the 1970s and 1980s, Cliff spent extended seasons in the country, especially in Rio of Janeiro and in Bahia. Ele directed music videos on Rio’s beaches and deepened ties with Afro-Brazilian culture in Salvador.
Family legacy and last works
Daughter Nabiyah Be, born in Salvador in 1992, pursued an artistic career and acted in the film “Pantera Negra” (2018). The relationship with the Brazilian Sônia Gomes of Silva reinforced the musician’s ties with the country.
In 2022, Cliff released the single “Human Touch”, returning to classic reggae. The artist remained active in the studio and planned new projects until weeks before his hospitalization.
The family reported that details about the farewell ceremony will be released in the coming days.
Main awards received
- Order of Mérito of Jamaica (2003)
- Inclusion in Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (2010)
- Grammy Award from Melhor Álbum from Reggae for “Rebirth” (2012)
- Title of Embaixador from Paz by the UN (2003)
Reggae loses one of its greatest exponents, responsible for bringing Jamaican music to global audiences and influencing generations of artists in several countries, including Brasil.
