Jimmy Cliff, the iconic Jamaican singer, actor, and songwriter whose six-decade-long career catapulted reggae music onto the international stage, has passed away at the age of 81. His wife, Latifa Chambers, announced his death on Instagram, revealing that he succumbed to complications from a seizure followed by pneumonia. Born James Chambers in 1944 in Saint James, Jamaica, Cliff rose from humble beginnings, singing in his local church from the age of six. He adopted the stage name ‘Cliff’ as a teenager, symbolizing his ambition to scale the highest peaks of musical success. Cliff’s career gained momentum in the early 1960s through collaborations with producer Leslie Kong, which led to local hits. His international breakthrough came after representing Jamaica at the 1964 World’s Fair in New York, followed by signing with Island Records and relocating to London. Cliff’s music, characterized by its fusion of ska and reggae rhythms with socially conscious lyrics, resonated globally. His 1969 UK hit, ‘Wonderful World, Beautiful People,’ reached No. 6 on the charts, blending messages of hope with critiques of societal issues. Bob Dylan famously praised Cliff’s 1970 anti-war anthem ‘Vietnam’ as ‘the best protest song ever written.’ Among his timeless hits are ‘You Can Get It If You Really Want,’ ‘I Can See Clearly Now,’ and ‘Wonderful World, Beautiful People.’ Tributes have flooded in worldwide, including from Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness, who hailed Cliff as a ‘cultural giant’ whose music elevated Jamaican culture on the global stage. Despite his accolades, Cliff cherished his connection with fans, often citing moments when his music inspired profound personal transformations as his greatest achievements. He continued performing into his later years, including a memorable appearance at the Coachella Festival in 2010.
分类： entertainment
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Show the World returns to showcase youth at Christmas
The highly anticipated annual event, *Show the World – It’s Christmas*, is set to return on Saturday, November 29, at the Sandals Grande Ballroom. This year’s edition promises to blend music, family, and festive cheer, continuing its legacy as a platform for showcasing Saint Lucian talent. Organised by Ronald ‘Boo’ Hinkson & Friends, the event has become a cornerstone of the island’s cultural calendar, celebrated for its ability to unite communities and highlight emerging artists. At a recent press briefing, sponsors and organisers shared their enthusiasm for the event’s evolution and its focus on fostering young talent. MacNaughton McLean, one of the event’s founders, reflected on its origins, noting that the initiative was born out of a desire to provide a stage for Hinkson and the many artists he has mentored. This year, the event will feature a special family-themed segment, adding a heartwarming touch to the performances. Export Saint Lucia, the newest sponsor, sees the partnership as a natural extension of its mission to promote Saint Lucian excellence globally. CEO Sunita Daniel highlighted the event’s role in identifying talent for international showcases, such as Expo Osaka. Long-time sponsors like JQ Motors, KFC, Domino’s Pizza, and First National Bank also reaffirmed their commitment to supporting youth development through the arts. With a lineup of world-class musicians, vocalists, and surprises, *Show the World – It’s Christmas* aims to deliver an unforgettable experience for attendees.
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Jimmy Cliff, reggae legend and Jamaican icon, dies at 81
The music world mourns the loss of Jimmy Cliff, the legendary Jamaican musician who played a pivotal role in globalizing reggae music. His family confirmed his passing on Monday through his official channels. Cliff, aged 81, was celebrated for timeless hits such as “Many Rivers to Cross” and “The Harder They Come,” the latter being the title track of the 1972 film in which he starred. The movie’s soundtrack was instrumental in introducing Jamaican reggae to international audiences, cementing Cliff’s status as a cultural ambassador. Born in Jamaica in 1944, Cliff achieved his first local hit at just 14 with “Hurricane Hattie.” Over his illustrious career, he earned two Grammy Awards and seven nominations. In 2010, he was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, one of only two Jamaicans to receive this honor, alongside Bob Marley. Wyclef Jean delivered the induction speech, and writer Rob Bowman noted that Cliff’s role in “The Harder They Come” alone would have justified his inclusion. His contributions to music and culture will continue to resonate globally.
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Cuba present at Santiago de Chile Book Fair
A vibrant showcase of Cuban culture is taking center stage at a prominent literary event, featuring an array of works from Ediciones Cubanas and other esteemed publishing houses. The exhibition highlights the literary genius of Cuban authors such as Eliseo Diego, Virgilio Pinera, and Herminio Almendros, alongside poetry collections and works exploring Afro-Cuban themes. Cetmilena Denny, e-commerce manager of the Soy Cubano agency, a subsidiary of Artex Artistic and Literary Promotions, emphasized the event’s mission to elevate Cuban writers on the global stage. ‘We are presenting a diverse selection to ensure our authors gain international recognition,’ Denny told Prensa Latina. Adding to the cultural richness, the event also celebrates Cuban music, thanks to the inclusion of the Bis Music record label, which is part of the Artex family. Attendees can explore iconic records from legendary artists like Omara Portuondo, Sindo Garay, Elito Reve, Maria Victoria, and Barbarito Diez, among others. This fusion of literature and music underscores Cuba’s enduring cultural legacy and its commitment to sharing its artistic treasures with the world.
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Kathy-Ann Perkins exhibits Home: A Canvas of Colours and Warmth
Horizons Art Gallery is proud to present ‘Home: A Canvas of Colours and Warmth,’ the latest collection by celebrated Trinidad and Tobago artist Kathy-Ann Perkins. This exhibition, which opens on November 25, promises to deliver a heartwarming and visually stunning experience, perfectly timed for the festive Christmas season. Perkins’ paintings capture the essence of home, blending vibrant colours with nostalgic undertones to evoke a sense of comfort and belonging.
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Lennie Little-White has fond memories of late cousin, Jimmy Cliff
Jimmy Cliff, the legendary Jamaican musician and actor, whose life mirrored the ambitious character Ivan from the iconic 1972 film *The Harder They Come*, passed away on November 24 at the age of 81. Born James Chambers in the rural village of Somerton, St. James, Cliff rose from modest beginnings to become a global music sensation. His cousin, Lennie Little-White, a renowned filmmaker, shared insights into Cliff’s early life, revealing that his mother, a teacher at Somerton Primary School, played a pivotal role in nurturing his musical talents. She provided him with his first piano lessons and supported his move to Kingston to attend Kingston Technical School. Cliff’s journey began in earnest when he recorded hits like *Hurricane Hattie* in 1962 under producer Leslie Kong’s Beverly’s Records. By the late 1960s, he achieved international acclaim with songs such as *Wonderful World, Beautiful People* and the anti-war anthem *Vietnam*. Despite limited acting experience, Cliff’s raw portrayal of Ivan in *The Harder They Come* catapulted the film to global success. Over his illustrious career, Cliff earned two Grammy Awards, was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and received Jamaica’s prestigious Order of Merit. His legacy as a cultural icon and musical pioneer continues to inspire generations.
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Tylah Ariel makes her solo debut at Kafe Blue
Emerging singer-songwriter Tylah Ariel Head is set to make her highly anticipated solo debut with *Live With You* at Kafe Blue in Port of Spain on November 28. This event is not just a concert but a significant milestone in her musical journey, marking her return to the stage after a brief hiatus. Tylah, a 30-year-old artist from west Trinidad, has spent years honing her craft in songwriting and production, creating a sound that is uniquely her own—soulful, introspective, and deeply honest.
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Gold in France for Rvssian’s Santa
Jamaican music producer and recording artist Rvssian has achieved yet another milestone with his 2024 hit collaboration, ‘Santa,’ featuring Rauw Alejandro and Nigerian singer Ayra Starr. The track has recently been certified gold in France, marking sales and streaming equivalent to over 100,000 units. This accolade adds to the song’s impressive list of certifications, including 3x platinum in Mexico (490,000 units), 5x platinum in Spain (300,000 units), and 16x platinum in the Latin United States (over 960,000 units).
In an earlier interview with Observer Online, Rvssian expressed his gratitude for the song’s commercial success, stating, ‘This really means a lot; it’s just another form of accreditation towards our achievements.’ The song has also made significant strides on various international charts, including Argentina, Bolivia, Colombia, Chile, Ecuador, Italy, Mexico, Peru, Portugal, Panama, Spain, and Switzerland. Additionally, it has performed well on the Billboard Hot Latin Songs, Latin Rhythm Airplay, and Latin Airplay charts.
‘Santa’ is featured on Rauw Alejandro’s sixth studio album, ‘Cosa Nuestra: Capitulo O,’ which was released in September 2023. The song’s continued success underscores its global appeal and the collaborative efforts of Rvssian, Rauw Alejandro, and Ayra Starr.
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Reggae legend Jimmy Cliff has died
The music world mourns the loss of Jimmy Cliff, the iconic reggae musician who passed away at the age of 81. His family confirmed the news on Monday, revealing that Cliff succumbed to pneumonia following a seizure. His wife, Latifa Chambers, expressed her gratitude for the support of his family, friends, fellow artists, and fans worldwide, emphasizing how much their love meant to him throughout his illustrious career. Born James Chambers, Cliff played a pivotal role in bringing reggae to a global audience, particularly through his starring role in the groundbreaking film *The Harder They Come*. His journey began in Kingston, where he recorded several singles before achieving chart-topping success with *Hurricane Hattie*, one of his early works for Beverly Records. Cliff’s music blended pop and ska influences, and after moving to London in 1965, he expanded his sound to include soul and Rhythm and Blues, eventually solidifying his place as a reggae pioneer. By the late 1960s, he had gained international acclaim, with his album *Wonderful World, Beautiful People* becoming a global sensation. His contributions to *The Harder They Come* soundtrack, including classics like *Many Rivers to Cross* and *Sitting in Limbo*, cemented his status as reggae’s brightest star. Cliff’s legacy continues to inspire generations of musicians and fans alike.
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‘Jamaica has lost a giant’: PNP mourns Jimmy Cliff
Kingston, Jamaica — The global music community is in mourning following the passing of reggae legend Jimmy Cliff, who died on Monday at the age of 81. His family confirmed that the iconic musician succumbed to pneumonia after suffering a seizure. The Opposition People’s National Party of Jamaica has joined the nation and the international community in expressing profound grief over the loss of this cultural giant.