On a Wednesday in Kingston, Jamaica, the nation gathered in a gymnasium to honor the life of reggae icon Jimmy Cliff, who passed away last month at 81. The event was guided by a simple instruction: no serious, sad or long faces.
Tribute to a Reggae Icon
Jamaica’s culture minister, Olivia Grange, opened the ceremony with a reminder of Cliff’s spirit. “Jimmy didn’t want a sad or somber occasion,” she said. “He gave so much of his life to delivering music.” The stage was set for a celebration that blended official speeches with dances, live music and excerpts from interviews where Cliff sat by a mixing board.
Songs that defined his career-“Bongo Man,” “Many Rivers to Cross,” and “Wonderful World, Beautiful People”-filled the gymnasium, creating a sonic tapestry that echoed across the venue. The tribute was broadcast live, drawing thousands of viewers from New York to the United Kingdom.
Voices of a Nation
Among the attendees was 84-year-old Purcell Johnson, a former Somerton Elementary School student. “I had to be here,” she said of the tribute, her face beaming. “We used to play while attending school and on our way home. I am proud of him. He has done well.” Johnson recalled how Cliff teased her, calling her “Little Tuku” because she was short as a child.
The Prime Minister, Andrew Holness, added a broader perspective. “We pause to honor a man whose voice, music and spirit carried his nation far beyond its shores long before the world truly knew our name,” he said. He noted that Cliff was more than a singer, songwriter, actor and performer. “Jimmy Cliff was a messenger, one who carried the story of this small island, its struggles, resilience, faith and beauty to the widest possible audience and ensured that Jamaica was heard, recognized and respected,” Holness said. He added that Cliff’s message is that hope remains possible despite hardship: “Jimmy Cliff didn’t merely entertain the world. Jimmy Cliff uplifted the world.”
Former Queen’s High School graduate Terry Ann Hamilton Stewart, who attended the tribute while breastfeeding her three-year-old son, recalled personal anecdotes. “Jimmy is a legend. He used to tell me to study my lesson,” she said.
A pioneer of reggae, Carlton Darby, arrived in leopard-print regalia and a crown representing the Pokomo Tribe in Kenya. He described Cliff as a trailblazer who laid the foundation for reggae music. “He was there even before Bob Marley, and I’m here to pay my respects,” he said.
Justine Henzell, daughter of movie director Perry Henzell-who directed “The Harder They Come”-shared her memories. “It is daunting to eulogize a man who had so many facets to his life,” she said. “The man I knew, I never heard raise his voice or lose his cool.”
Cliff’s brother, Victor Chambers, read out the names of his 19 children who were in the audience. “Please know that you are not alone,” Chambers said. “You carry your father’s spirit, strength and love with you always. May you find comfort knowing how deeply he was loved.”
Global Reach and Legacy
The tribute’s impact extended beyond Jamaica’s borders. Video messages from artists such as Shaggy and Sting were interwoven into the broadcast, underscoring the international reach of Cliff’s music. The live stream attracted viewers from across the Atlantic, illustrating the enduring resonance of his legacy.
Key Takeaways
- Jimmy Cliff’s tribute emphasized joy over sorrow, honoring his wish for a celebratory remembrance.
- The ceremony highlighted personal stories from fans, family, and fellow musicians, underscoring his multifaceted influence.
- Global participation-through live broadcasts and video messages-demonstrated Cliff’s lasting impact on world music.
Closing Thoughts
The tribute in Kingston served as a fitting homage to a man whose voice and vision carried Jamaica’s story to the world. As the nation celebrated with music, dance, and heartfelt speeches, it became clear that Jimmy Cliff’s legacy will continue to inspire future generations.
