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Global audiences mourns the loss of the iconic Jimmy Cliff, the renowned Jamaican-born musician and performer whose captivating voice played a key role in spreading reggae music worldwide. The artist has died at the age of 81.

“It’s with profound sadness that I announce that my beloved husband, Jimmy Cliff, has crossed over due to a seizure and subsequent pneumonia,” posted his spouse Latifa on social media. “I am thankful for his family, friends, peers in the arts and coworkers who walked with him on his journey. To all his supporters around the world, please know that your encouragement was his motivation during his whole career … Jimmy, my darling, may you rest peacefully. I will follow your wishes.” The message was also signed by their children, their son and daughter.

Cliff was beloved for hit songs such as “You Can Get It If You Really Want”, I Can See Clearly Now and Wonderful World, Beautiful People. His upbeat sound and uplifting spirit brought him a vast and longstanding following.

Beyond his music accomplishments, Cliff took the lead role in the 1972 crime drama The Harder They Come, a role that was highly acclaimed and is viewed as a cornerstone of Jamaican cinema.

Jimmy Cliff was one of just a handful of artists, alongside the legendary Bob Marley and others, to be awarded the prestigious Order of Merit from Jamaica.

More to follow…