Celebrities React to Jimmy Cliff’s Passing: Tributes Pour In for the Reggae Legend
When news broke that reggae icon Jimmy Cliff had passed away at age 81, the global music world fell silent. Within minutes, tributes poured in from artists across generations — from the Marley family to global chart-toppers who grew up inspired by his voice, his activism, and the timeless impact of The Harder They Come.
Below is a roundup of the most heartfelt reactions from artists around the world, honoring a man whose music opened the doors for reggae to reach the global stage.
Ziggy Marley: “He Carried Jamaica on His Shoulders”
Ziggy Marley, the son of Bob Marley and a longtime torchbearer of roots reggae, wrote that Jimmy Cliff was “a pillar of Jamaican spirit” and someone who “carried the culture with grace and strength.” Ziggy emphasized Cliff’s role in taking reggae to international audiences long before the genre became globally mainstream.
Stephen Marley: “A Teacher Without Speaking”
Stephen Marley expressed that Jimmy Cliff had been “a silent teacher” who influenced their entire family not only musically but spiritually. “His songs were lessons,” Stephen shared. “Many Rivers to Cross taught us resilience before we even understood the word.”
Shaggy: “A Giant of Jamaican Music”
Shaggy remembered the legend as “a giant of Jamaican music whose voice echoed in every corner of the world.” He recalled performing with Cliff and feeling “the power of a man who never once compromised his truth.”
Sean Paul: “Your Legacy Will Never Fade”
Sean Paul posted a short but powerful tribute, saying that Jimmy Cliff was “one of the architects of our sound” and added: “Your legacy will live forever in every rhythm, every beat, every voice from Jamaica.”
Damian Marley: “You Gave Us a Global Voice”
Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley praised Cliff’s role in making reggae visible on the world map, especially through the groundbreaking 1972 film The Harder They Come, which showcased Jamaica’s struggles, humor, and spirit to an international audience. “You gave us a global voice,” Damian wrote.
Buju Banton: “Your Music Was a Weapon of Truth”
Buju Banton honored Cliff for using music as a tool for justice and compassion. He described Cliff as “a warrior of truth whose words brought both comfort and courage to generations.”
Burning Spear: “We Lost a Brother”
Burning Spear — another pillar of classic roots reggae — expressed devastation at losing “a brother, a friend, and a fellow keeper of the flame.” Spear highlighted Cliff’s role in shaping the era that gave reggae its foundation.
UB40: “We Would Not Exist Without Him”
British reggae band UB40 issued a moving group statement saying: “Our music exists because legends like Jimmy Cliff built the road. Today we bow our heads and say thank you.”
Sting: “A Light of Jamaica Has Gone Out”
Sting, who collaborated deeply with reggae rhythms through his work with The Police, wrote that Cliff was “a light of Jamaica” and “one of the first voices that made the world listen.”
Wyclef Jean: “The Caribbean Cries Today”
Wyclef described Cliff as a hero of Caribbean culture — “the man who made us believe we could sing our stories to the world.” He recalled performing Many Rivers to Cross as a personal tribute to Cliff’s influence.
Carlos Santana: “A Soul Full of Healing”
Santana paid tribute to Cliff’s spiritual depth: “Every note he sang carried healing. The world is quieter today without him.”
Rihanna: “A True Icon of Our Islands”
Rihanna thanked Cliff for “lifting up Caribbean pride long before many of us were born.” She called him “a true icon of our islands.”
Lauryn Hill: “He Sang Truth Without Fear”
Lauryn Hill honored Cliff as “one of the bravest storytellers in music.” She shared her gratitude for his songs that “held pain and hope in the same breath.”
Bono (U2): “He Fought for the Light”
Bono praised Cliff’s activism, calling him “a fighter for the light, a man who believed music could change the human heart.”
A Global Farewell to a Global Voice
From Kingston to London, from Lagos to Los Angeles, Jimmy Cliff’s passing has unified the world in grief and gratitude. His songs — The Harder They Come, You Can Get It If You Really Want, Many Rivers to Cross — continue to guide generations searching for courage, freedom, and joy.
Though he is gone, Jimmy Cliff’s spirit remains woven into the heartbeat of world music.