Jimmy Cliff: Jamaican Reggae Musician Passes Away at 81
- Reggae music legend Jimmy Cliff has passed away, his family announced on Monday, November 24, 2025
- According to the family statement co-signed by his wife, Latifa Chambers, and their children, Lilty and Aken, he suffered a seizure
- Following the announcement, tributes have been pouring in from the 81-year-old's fans across the world
Jimmy Cliff, known in private life as James Chambers in 1948, the iconic reggae musician who introduced Jamaican music to audiences worldwide, has died at age 81.
The star, whose career spanned more than six decades, achieved international recognition with classics including Wonderful World, Beautiful People and You Can Get It If You Really Want.
Source: Instagram
Cliff also starred in the landmark 1972 film The Harder They Come, playing a gun-toting rebel in the crime drama that became a cornerstone of Jamaican cinema and is credited with introducing reggae to American audiences.
His wife, Latifa Chambers, confirmed his death in an Instagram statement on Monday, November 24, 2025.
According to the statement, Cliff passed away suffering a seizure and pneumonia.
"It's with profound sadness that I share that my husband, Jimmy Cliff, has crossed over due to a seizure followed by pneumonia," Chambers wrote.
The late reggae legend's wife thanked all those who played a part in the life and career of the her husband. She also acknowledged fans worldwide.
"I am thankful for his family, friends, fellow artists and coworkers who have shared his journey with him."
"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. He really appreciated each and every fan for their love.
"I also wanted to thank Dr. Couceyro and the whole medical staff, as they have been extremely supportive and helpful during this difficult process.
"Jimmy, my darling, may you rest in peace. I will follow your wishes.
"I hope you all can respect our privacy during these hard times. Further information will be provided at a later date. See you and we see you Legend."
The message was co-signed by the couple's children, Lilty and Aken.
See the post below:
Jimmy Cliff's passing is a big blow
Gabriel Myers Hansen, a renowned Ghanaian music journalist, described Jimmy Cliff's passing as big blow to Africa and the Black world as a whole.
According to him, Cliff was an influential musician whose songs transcended his native Jamaica to resonate with Ghanaians and Africans and even inspired musicians here.
"For those of us in Ghana and across Africa, Jimmy Cliff represented something profound—the musical and spiritual connection between the Caribbean diaspora and the African continent. Reggae's roots in resistance, spirituality, and social commentary resonated deeply with African audiences who saw their own struggles reflected in the music. Cliff's influence on Ghanaian musicians, from highlife artists who incorporated reggae rhythms to our own reggae movement, cannot be overstated. His passing is a loss not just for Jamaica, but for the entire Black Atlantic world. The fact that he remained active and relevant for over 60 years speaks to the timelessness of his message and the universal appeal of his artistry."
Fans reacts to Jimmy Cliff's death
The post announcing Jimmy Cliff's passing also triggered reactions, with many paying tributes. Below are some of the reactions.
kabakapyramid said:
"Absolute legend!!! What a life lived 🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾."
thebestess said:
"Oh my goodness 🙏 thank you for everything Sir Cliff ❤️the world has lost a one of a kind legend ❤️."
ub40official said:
"RIP Jimmy, your music will live forever."
luciana_ba_car said:
"In this difficult moment of grief and immense loss, I offer my sincere condolences and want to express how much JIMMY CLIFF was a part of my life and will continue to be, because he is a legend."
Folk musician Professior Atamina passes on
Earlier, YEN.com.gh repoorted that legendary Ghanaian folk music star Prof Atamina sadly passed away on Monday, October 20, 2025.
The news of the veteran musician's unfortunate demise was announced on social media, leaving fans in mourning.
Source: YEN.com.gh
Jeffrey Owusu-Mensah (HOD Entertainment) Jeffrey is the Head of the Entertainment Desk and a graduate of the Ghana Institute of Journalism (GIJ) with over 15 years of experience in journalism. He started as a reporter with Ghana News Agency (GNA). He joined Primnewsghana.com in 2016 as an editor. He moved to YEN.com.gh in 2017 as an editor and has risen to his current position. You can contact him via e-mail: j.owusu-mensah@yen.com.gh
Myers Hansen (Music journalist and culture critic) Gabriel Myers Hansen is a Ghanaian music journalist and culture critic. For more than a decade, he has covered some of the most memorable events across West Africa's entertainment scene and profiled top stars for both local and international platforms. He is currently Regional Editor (Anglophone West Africa) for the news portal musicinafrica.net. He is the author of the forthcoming book 21 Nights in Accra: Culture Discussions and Excursions in Africa's Favourite City.
