Reggae legend Jimmy Cliff has passed away at 81 years old, his family announced today.
The Jamaican singer and actor died following a seizure that led to pneumonia, according to a statement posted on Instagram by his widow, Latifa Chambers.
The announcement came through social media on Monday, with Ms Chambers expressing deep sorrow at her husband's passing.
The musician, whose smooth vocals were instrumental in spreading reggae music across the globe, leaves behind his wife and their two children, Lilty and Aken.
Jimmy Cliff, whose smooth vocals were instrumental in spreading reggae music across the globe, leaves behind his wife and their two children, Lilty and Aken
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Mr Cliff's death marks the loss of one of Jamaica's most celebrated cultural ambassadors.
He was among a select group of musicians, including Bob Marley, to receive Jamaica's prestigious Order of Merit, the nation's highest honour for achievement in arts and culture.
Mr Cliff had been a towering figure in Jamaican music for more than six decades.
His death marks the loss of one of reggae's most influential ambassadors, a performer whose optimistic musical style attracted devoted followers worldwide.
Jimmy Cliff's wife confirmed the sad news on Monday
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Mr Cliff emerged as a musical force during the 1960s, establishing himself as a key figure in Jamaica's cultural landscape.
His catalogue featured numerous beloved tracks, with Wonderful World, Beautiful People, You Can Get It If You Really Want, and I Can See Clearly Now becoming international successes.
The artist's cheerful approach to music resonated with audiences far beyond Jamaica's shores. His distinctive voice and positive musical outlook helped transform reggae from a local sound into a worldwide phenomenon, earning him enduring popularity across continents.
Recognition for his contributions came at the highest level in Jamaica. Mr Cliff became one of only a select group of musicians to receive the nation's Order of Merit, an honour he shared with fellow reggae pioneer Bob Marley.
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Jimmy Cliff's catalogue featured numerous beloved tracks, with Wonderful World, Beautiful People, You Can Get It If You Really Want, and I Can See Clearly Now becoming international successes
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Mr Cliff's influence extended beyond music into cinema, where he took the starring role in the 1972 crime film The Harder They Come.
Playing an armed outlaw, his performance became a defining moment for Jamaican filmmaking and established the movie as a cultural landmark.
The film achieved particular significance in expanding reggae's reach internationally.
It has been widely recognised as the production that introduced reggae music to American audiences, opening new markets for the genre.
Jimmy Cliff in 2018
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This dual success in music and film cemented Mr Cliff's position as a cultural ambassador.
His contributions through both mediums helped establish Jamaica's artistic presence on the world stage, making him one of the Caribbean nation's most recognisable cultural exports.
In her Instagram message, Ms Chambers wrote: "It's with profound sadness that I share that my husband, Jimmy Cliff, has crossed over due to a seizure followed by pneumonia.
"I am thankful for his family, friends, fellow artists and coworkers who have shared his journey with him."
She continued with a message to his global fanbase: "To all his fans around the world, please know that your support was his strength throughout his whole career."
The statement concluded with a personal farewell: "Jimmy, my darling, may you rest in peace.
"I will follow your wishes." The message bore the signatures of Chambers and the couple's children, Lilty and Aken.