Sean Paul, Yusuf/Cat Stevens & More Pay Tribute to Reggae Icon Jimmy Cliff
The Marley family also honored him, noting Cliff's pivotal role in Bob Marley's early career.
Tributes from across the music world are pouring in for Jimmy Cliff, the reggae pioneer whose death was announced earlier this week.
Cliff, 81, died following a seizure and pneumonia, according to a statement shared by his wife, Latifah Chambers, on Monday (Nov. 24). While the family confirmed his passing, artists across genres — dancehall, pop, rock and reggae royalty — are now publicly honoring the singer’s legacy.
Sean Paul was among the first to share a tribute, posting a black-and-white image of Cliff on Instagram and writing, “R.I.P 2 a real general. He hit them the harder they came. Fly high my G.” Fans immediately echoed the sentiment, remembering Cliff as one of the musicians who helped shape the global identity of reggae.
Yusuf/Cat Stevens, whose 1970 song “Wild World” became one of Cliff’s signature recordings, shared a heartfelt message on Facebook. “A powerful presence,” he wrote. “God bless him. His songs always had some message of peace — may he find it now and forever.”
The Marley family also honored him, noting Cliff’s pivotal role in Bob Marley’s early career. “Jimmy was an instrumental figure in Bob’s coming up,” they wrote on Instagram. “He brought him to producer Leslie Kong in 1962 to record his very first singles, ‘Judge Not’ and ‘One Cup of Coffee.’” The post included a smiling throwback photo of Cliff, a reminder of the deep roots the two shared inside Jamaica’s music history.
Shaggy added his own tribute with a photo of the pair onstage together. “Saddened to hear about the passing of the legendary Jimmy Cliff,” he wrote. “His voice, his message, and his spirit helped shape the soul of reggae music. We’ve lost a true icon, but his light and legacy will live on forever.”
UB40 frontman Ali Campbell described Cliff as a “reggae forefather,” writing, “A true foundation, a pillar of our music, and one of the first to carry reggae out into the world. Rest Easy King, ‘Many Rivers to Cross.’”
