Kingston, 24 November 2025 - The Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, the Honourable Olivia Grange, has said 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 on Monday. He was 81 years old.

Minister Grange said:
"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.

"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', had a positive impact on millions 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 Soul. We should not forget that Jimmy was also an accomplished actor."

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

In March 2019, in honour of Jimmy, the Government of Jamaica spearheaded the renaming ceremony of 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 the 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 the hearts of Jamaicans and the world. Rest well, Jimmy Cliff."

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