分类： entertainment

Mark Golding, the leader of Jamaica’s opposition, has expressed profound sorrow over the passing of Jimmy Cliff, a monumental figure in Jamaican music and culture. Golding’s heartfelt tribute emphasized Cliff’s unique contributions to music and his global influence that transcended generations and borders. He described Cliff’s voice as unparalleled and his career as extraordinary, marking him as a pivotal figure in the evolution of Jamaican popular music. Cliff’s role in the 1972 film ‘The Harder They Come’ was highlighted as a significant milestone that brought reggae to a worldwide audience. Golding also celebrated Cliff’s impact in South America, particularly in Brazil, where he helped popularize reggae and expanded its global reach. Furthermore, Golding lauded Cliff’s enduring songwriting and his role as a musical rebel who used his art to advocate for social justice and inspire empowerment. The tribute concluded with a poignant reflection on Cliff’s memorable performance during Jamaica’s 1998 World Cup campaign, which galvanized the nation. Golding’s final words were a message of gratitude, honoring Cliff’s legacy and the indelible mark he left on the world.

Dancehall artist Govana enthusiastically embraced the opportunity to perform at last Thursday’s installment of Livewire, an event dedicated to supporting hurricane relief efforts in Jamaica. The entertainer, who has been actively involved in aiding victims of Hurricane Melissa, emphasized the importance of intimate shows for meaningful causes. When organizers revealed that part of the proceeds would go toward rebuilding western parishes devastated by the hurricane, Govana eagerly agreed to lend his time and talent.

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.

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.