PM Says Jimmy Cliff Was a Cultural Giant and a Pioneer

Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, says the late Hon. James “Jimmy Cliff” Chambers, OM, was a cultural giant, a pioneer and one of the most important builders of Jamaica’s global identity.

“Jimmy Cliff was more than a singer. He was more than a songwriter. He was more than an actor. He was more than a performer. Jimmy Cliff was a messenger. One who carried the story of this small island with all its struggles, resilience, faith and beauty to the widest possible audience and ensured that Jamaica was heard, recognised and respected,” he said.

Dr. Holness was speaking at the Service of Celebration for Jimmy Cliff inside the National Indoor Sports Centre, in Independence Park, on Wednesday (December 17).

Jimmy Cliff had timeless classics in ska, rocksteady and reggae genres, and was lead actor in the 1972 commercial film, ‘The Harder They Come’, with a soundtrack that contributed significantly in taking Jamaica’s reggae music to the world.

Dr. Holness described his involvement in these and his craft as affirmations of dignity, declarations of perseverance and reminders that, in hardship, hope remains possible.

He also acknowledged the fact that the artiste represented Jamaica on the global stage repeatedly with authenticity, confidence and fearlessness, and he had exceptional talent that collided internally with discipline and perseverance.

Dr. Holness said that from humble beginnings, Jimmy Cliff rose at a time when Jamaican music was still searching for international recognition.

“There were no established parts, no guarantees of acceptance, and no assurance that the world would listen, yet, through talent, courage and unwavering belief in his craft, Jimmy Cliff broke through barriers that once seemed immovable,” the Prime Minister said.

“Jimmy Cliff did not merely entertain the world. Jimmy Cliff uplifted the world,” he continued.

Dr. Holness said it was out of frustration that Jimmy Cliff was able to create the comforting song, ‘Many Rivers to Cross’, which the nation and the world at large have come to enjoy, relate to, seek comfort in, when going through struggles, and lit passion in many hearts.

“Not many Jamaicans knew that this was an original song of Jimmy Cliff. And there are many who believe that Jimmy copied the song, but Jimmy Cliff wrote this song in 1969 in London. The reports are that he was feeling frustrated that he had gone to London; he was expecting that his career would take off but he was not getting the impact. He was very frustrated,” he noted.

“But like a true artiste, he channelled this frustration into words that carried such powerful meaning,” the Prime Minister said.

Dr. Holness then reflected on Jimmy Cliff’s other powerful hits, such as Wonderful World, Beautiful People; You Can Get It If You Really Want; and The Harder They Come, the soundtrack for the over 50-year-old movie that defined a turning point in Jamaica’s cultural history and introduced reggae and the Jamaican experience, realities and aspirations.

“It’s time our new artistes find the passion and the inspiration to create even more works of art like this. Through that work, the world began to see Jamaica differently, and just as importantly, Jamaicans began to see themselves differently,” he said.

In her tribute, Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Hon. Olivia Grange, said, “Jimmy Cliff navigated his many rivers to cross.

“We have lost, undoubtedly, one of the greatest proponents of Jamaican music and a film pioneer. His passing has left us deeply saddened. His departure from this life represents a major loss, not just for Jamaica but for the world,” Ms. Grange said.

The Minister added that Jimmy Cliff gave so much of his life to delivering music, which had a peculiar and relevant message and resonated in every corner of the globe.

Although Perry Henzell, the man behind the film, ‘The Harder They Come’, is now deceased, his daughter, Justine Henzell, never forgot the legacy her father, Jimmy Cliff and the rest of the team brought to the international stage from the beautiful paradise island called Jamaica.

“It is daunting to eulogise a man who had so many facets to his life… . Truly, I have never known a world without Jimmy in it, and blessedly, through the many memories that I have and all the music, I won’t have to imagine a world without him, and neither will any of you,” Ms. Henzelle said.

Of all the tributes, the most heartfelt was a simple one from his wife, Latifa Chambers Cliff, whose two children, Aken Cliff and Lilty Cliff, stood by her side.

“Jimmy is Jamaican for sure, as much as we are Jamaican as well. We used to live here when those two [our children] were young and going to school… . All over the world, thank you, thank you, thank you,” she said.

Intertwined in the celebration of Jimmy Cliff’s life were clips of him speaking about his historical journey.

For more than six decades, Jimmy Cliff remained relevant, well-respected and resolute. He did not fade with time, he instead evolved with time.

His induction in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and receiving the Order of Merit from his homeland were recognition of international significance, awards bestowed on a man who consistently elevated Jamaica’s standing on the world stage.

In March 2019, in honour of Jimmy Cliff, the Government of Jamaica spearheaded the renaming ceremony for the Jimmy Cliff Boulevard in Montego Bay, St. James.

In January 2021, the Government also presented him with an official passport with his status as a Reggae Ambassador.