The world of music is mourning the loss of a pioneer as reggae legend Jimmy Cliff passed away on Monday, November 24, 2025, at the age of 81.
The Jamaican singer, actor, and cultural icon, who is widely celebrated for helping to introduce reggae music to a global audience, passed away following a seizure and pneumonia, his family confirmed on Monday.
Born James Chambers in 1944, Cliff’s career spanned over six decades, cementing his place as one of the most important figures in the history of Jamaican music and a voice for social consciousness worldwide.
A message from his wife Latifa Chambers on Instagram reads: “It’s with profound sadness that I share that my husband, Jimmy Cliff, has crossed over due to a seizure followed by pneumonia. I am thankful for his family, friends, fellow artists, and coworkers who have shared his journey with him. To all his fans around the world, please know that your support was his strength throughout his whole career … Jimmy, my darling, may you rest in peace. I will follow your wishes.” Her message was also signed by their children, Lilty and Aken.
Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness has penned his tribute to mourn the demise of Jimmy Cliff.
The President described Cliff as “a true cultural giant whose music carried the heart of our nation to the world … Jimmy Cliff told our story with honesty and soul. His music lifted people through hard times, inspired generations, and helped to shape the global respect that Jamaican culture enjoys today.”
Jimmy Cliff (born James Chambers; July 30, 1944 – November 24, 2025) was a Jamaican musician, singer, songwriter, and actor who played an instrumental role in introducing reggae music to a global audience. His career, which spanned over six decades, made him one of the most respected and enduring figures in world music.
Born James Chambers in Somerton, St. James, Jamaica, he adopted the stage name Jimmy Cliff upon moving to Kingston in the early 1960s. While still a teenager and going to school, he began entering local talent contests and eventually convinced producer Leslie Kong to enter the recording business with him. Their collaboration led to his first major local hit, “Hurricane Hattie,” in 1962.
In 1964, Cliff was chosen to represent Jamaica at the World’s Fair in New York City. He later signed with Island Records and relocated to London, where he began to broaden his sound, incorporating elements of soul and R&B into his music as it evolved from ska and rocksteady towards reggae.
With hits including You Can Get It If You Really Want, I Can See Clearly Now and Wonderful World, Beautiful People, Cliff’s upbeat musical temperament brought him a large and longstanding fanbase. His lead acting role in the 1972 crime drama The Harder They Come was also acclaimed, with the film seen as a cornerstone of Jamaican cinema.
Jimmy Cliff’s contributions were recognized worldwide, cementing his status as a foundational figure in modern music.
He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2010. He was also awarded the Order of Merit (OM) by the Jamaican government, one of the nation’s highest honors for distinction in the arts and sciences.
