International reggae icon Jimmy Cliff has passed away at the age of 81, his family confirmed on Monday.

According to Naija News, his wife, Latifa Chambers, announced the news via his official social media channels, revealing that Cliff died after battling pneumonia following a seizure.

“I am thankful for his family, friends, fellow artists, and coworkers who shared his journey with him,” she said.
“To all his fans around the world, please know that your support was his strength throughout his whole career. He truly appreciated each and every fan for their love.”

Born James Chambers, Jimmy Cliff was celebrated for helping bring reggae music to the global stage. He gained international recognition through his iconic performance in the landmark film The Harder They Come, which solidified his status as one of reggae’s most influential voices.

Cliff began his musical career after moving from rural Jamaica to Kingston, where he recorded early singles and topped the Jamaican charts with Hurricane Hattie under Leslie Kong’s Beverly Records. He went on to produce hits that blended ska, pop, and soul, establishing himself as one of the most versatile artists of his generation.

In 1965, he moved to London after signing with Chris Blackwell of Island Records, expanding his sound to incorporate rhythm and blues and reaching audiences far beyond the Caribbean. By the late 1960s, he had become a sensation in South America, winning a major festival prize in Brazil with his song Waterfall.

His album Wonderful World, Beautiful People became a global hit and inspired artists such as Paul Simon to explore reggae music.

Cliff reached the peak of worldwide fame starring in The Harder They Come, contributing several classics to its soundtrack, including Many Rivers to Cross, Sitting in Limbo, and the title track The Harder They Come. The film and its music made Jimmy Cliff an international phenomenon and a defining figure in reggae history.