Reggae legend Jimmy Cliff has died at the age of 81. His wife told fans their support 'was his strength throughout his whole career'.
Having rose to fame in the 1960s, he is credited with helping bring the sound of Jamaica to be a global phenomenon. Among mainstream audiences, Cliff was best known for hits such as 'You Can Get It If You Really Want', 'Wonderful World' and 'Beautiful People'.
At the time of his death, he was the only living reggae musician to hold the Jamaican Order of Merit.
And with great success in music, he became an international star on screen with The Harder They Come with a song released of the same name.
The 1972 film was viewed as a cornerstone of Jamaican cinema and Cliff portrayed Ivan Martin, a young man trying to break into Jamaica's corrupt music industry.
"The film opened the door for Jamaica," Cliff said. "It said, 'This is where this music comes from.'"
The star began singing at the age of six at his local church and by the age of 14, had moved to Kingston and took on the surname of Cliff to express the heights he intended to reach.
His wife, Latifa Chambers, announced his death in a statement on Instagram: "It’s with profound sadness that I share that my husband, Jimmy Cliff, has crossed over due to a seizure followed by pneumonia.
"I am thankful for his family, friends, fellow artists and coworkers who have shared his journey with him.
"To all his fans around the world, please know that your support was his strength throughout his whole career … Jimmy, my darling, may you rest in peace. I will follow your wishes."
Chambers' message was also signed by their children, Aken and Lilty.
The Prime Minister of Jamaica, Andrew Holness, also paid tribute to the icon of Reggae on Instagram as he said the country 'pauses' today (24 November) to honour the life of the cultural giant whose music 'carried the heart of our nation to the world'.
Holness credited Cliff with telling their 'story with honesty and soul'.
"His music lifted people through hard times, inspired generations, and helped to shape the global respect that Jamaican culture enjoys today," the Prime Minister wrote alongside images with the legend.
"We give thanks for his life, his contribution, and the pride he brought to Jamaica. I extend heartfelt condolences to his family, loved ones, and to every Jamaican, I know we feel this loss deeply.
"Walk good, Jimmy Cliff. Your legacy lives on in every corner of our island and in the hearts of the Jamaican people."
Featured Image Credit: Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images
Jess Battison