标签： Jamaica

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.

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.

The Miss Universe Organisation has released an official statement addressing widespread speculation surrounding Dr. Gabrielle Henry, Miss Universe Jamaica 2025, following her unfortunate fall from the stage during the Miss Universe competition last week. The organisation has maintained strict confidentiality regarding specific medical details to respect Dr. Henry and her family’s privacy. Updates on her condition will be shared exclusively by her family or Dr. Henry herself when deemed appropriate. Raúl Rocha, representing the organisation, outlined the immediate actions taken after the incident. He personally assisted Dr. Henry onstage, coordinated urgent medical care, and ensured her swift transfer to a hospital. A team of medical specialists was subsequently engaged to provide comprehensive evaluation and monitoring. The organisation has covered all associated expenses, including hotel accommodations for her family, rebooked airline tickets, transportation, and assigned a dedicated staff member to support the family throughout this challenging period. Over the past four days, Dr. Henry faced several difficult moments and unexpected concerns, but each issue was effectively resolved through the medical care she received. According to the latest medical report, Dr. Henry is now in good health and is expected to be discharged from the hospital soon. The statement also addressed circulating rumors, reaffirming the organisation’s commitment to sharing only essential updates with professionalism, sensitivity, and respect. ‘We are grateful that she is now close to being released from the hospital,’ Rocha stated.

The Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) has expressed profound sorrow over the passing of Jimmy Cliff, a towering figure in reggae music, celebrated actor, and cultural ambassador. Born James Chambers on July 30, 1944, Cliff passed away on November 24, 2025, at the age of 81, leaving behind an indelible legacy that transcends generations. Senator Abka Fitz-Henley, Chairman of the JLP’s Communication Taskforce, paid tribute to Cliff’s monumental contributions to music and global consciousness. ‘Jimmy Cliff is undeniably a legend,’ Fitz-Henley remarked. ‘His music not only shaped the reggae genre but also inspired countless individuals worldwide. His work will continue to resonate with future generations.’ Cliff’s impact was recognized during his lifetime through numerous honors, including Jamaica’s Order of Merit, the renaming of a road in St. James in his honor, and special recognition during the Jamaica 55 commemoration. Fitz-Henley extended the JLP’s heartfelt condolences to Cliff’s family, emphasizing the profound sadness felt across Jamaica. ‘We celebrate Jimmy Cliff’s life and his enduring legacy, which has left an indelible mark on our culture and the world,’ he concluded.

Jamaica mourns the loss of Jimmy Cliff, a towering figure in the nation’s music and film industry, who passed away at the age of 81. Former Prime Minister PJ Patterson, a close associate of Cliff, paid tribute to the legendary artist, describing him as a creative genius whose work aimed to inspire and empower people. Cliff, born James Chambers, was a multifaceted talent whose career spanned genres like ska, rocksteady, and reggae, leaving an indelible mark on Jamaican culture. Patterson, who shared a personal connection with Cliff through their alma mater, Somerton Elementary School in St. James, highlighted the artist’s enduring legacy. Cliff was honored with Jamaica’s prestigious Order of Merit (OM) in 2003, a testament to his contributions to the arts. His role in the 1972 cult classic film *The Harder They Come* not only elevated his career but also cemented the movie as a cornerstone of Jamaica’s cinematic history. Over his illustrious career, Cliff released 11 albums, including *Hard Road* (1967), *Wonderful World, Beautiful People* (1970), and *The Harder They Come* (1972), each showcasing his versatility and artistic brilliance. His passing marks the end of an era for Jamaican music and film, but his legacy 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.