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Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness on Wednesday reflected on the great reality of the Honourable James ‘Jimmy Cliff’ Chambers, OM, being a music and cultural giant who sang and acted his way into the hearts of not only Jamaicans, but the world at large. 

The late Jimmy Cliff has timeless classics in ska, rock steady and reggae genres, and was lead actor in the 1972 commercial film The Harder They Come with a soundtrack that contributed significantly to taking Jamaica’s reggae music culture to the world. Dr Holness described Jimmy Cliff’s involvement in his craft as affirmations of dignity, declarations of perseverance, and reminders that in hardship, hope remains possible. 

He also acknowledged the fact that the artiste represented Jamaica on the global stage repeatedly with authenticity, confidence and fearlessness. 

“Today, we honour the Honourable James Jimmy Cliff Chambers Order of Merit. A cultural giant, a pioneer and one of the most important builders of Jamaica’s global identity,” Dr Holness said during the service of celebration for Jimmy Cliff inside the National Indoor Sports Centre in Independence Park on Wednesday (Dec. 17). 

“Jimmy Cliff was more than a singer. He was more than a songwriter. He was more than an actor. He was more than a performer. Jimmy Cliff was a messenger. One who carried the story of this small island with all its struggles, resilience, faith and beauty to the widest possible audience and ensured that Jamaica was heard, recognised and respected,” he said.

Dr Holness acknowledged that from humble beginnings, Jimmy Cliff rose at a time when Jamaican music was still searching for international recognition. There were no established parts, no guarantees of acceptance, and no assurance that the world would listen, yet, through talent, courage and unwavering belief in his craft, Jimmy Cliff broke through barriers that once seemed immovable. 

“Jimmy Cliff did not merely entertain the world. Jimmy Cliff uplifted the world,” he said. 

Dr Holness continued to reflect on how it was out of frustration that Jimmy Cliff was able to create the comforting Many Rivers to Cross song, which the nation and the world at large have come to enjoy, relate to, seek comfort in when going through struggles, and ignite passion in many hearts. 

“His songs spoke directly to the human condition. Many Rivers to Cross. Not many Jamaicans knew that this was an original song of Jimmy Cliff. And there are many who believe that Jimmy copied the song, but Jimmy Cliff wrote this song in 1969 in London. The reports are that he was feeling frustrated that he had gone to London; he was expecting that his career would take off, but he was not getting the impact. He was very frustrated,” Dr Holness said. “But like a true artiste, he channelled this frustration into words that carried such powerful meaning,” he said. 

Holness then reflected on the deceased’s other powerful hits, such as Wonderful World, Beautiful People, You Can Get It If You Really Want and The Harder They Come, before the over 50-year-old movie that defined a turning point in Jamaica’s cultural history and introduced reggae and the Jamaican experience, realities and aspirations. 

“It’s time our new artistes find the passion and the inspiration to create even more works of art like this,” he said to applause. “Through that work, the world began to see Jamaica differently, and just as importantly, Jamaicans began to see themselves differently.”

He added: “We pause to honour a man whose voice, music and spirit carried this nation far beyond its shores, long before the world truly knew our name.” 

In closing, he recalled his last moment in the same space with Jimmy Cliff, when he was being acknowledged during the Jamaica 55 Independence celebration inside the neighbouring National Stadium. 

Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Olivia Grange, who offered the opening tribute, reflected on how “Jimmy Cliff navigated his many rivers to cross”. 

“We have undoubtedly lost one of the greatest proponents of Jamaican music and a film pioneer. His passing has left us deeply saddened. His departure from this life represents a major loss not just for Jamaica, but for the world,” Grange said in her reflection. “He gave so much of his life to delivering music which had a peculiar and relevant message and resonated in every corner of the globe.” 

Although Perry Henzell, the man behind The Harder They Come film, is now deceased, his daughter, Justine Henzell, never forgot the legacy her father, Jimmy Cliff and the rest of the team back then, brought to the international stage from the beautiful paradise island of Jamaica.

She recalled in the film, Jimmy Cliff played the lead role Ivanhoe Martin, the original rude boy, but the character of the man she knew in real life “never raised his voice or lost his cool”.

“It is daunting to eulogise a man who has so many facets to his life…Truly, I have never known a world without Jimmy in it, and blessedly, through the many memories that I have and all the music, I won’t have to imagine a world without him, and neither will any of you,” Henzelle said. 

“By the time I was born, Jimmy was already a well-known recording artiste, having had hits such as Hurricane Hotty and Miss Jamaica,” she said before reflecting on how her father came upon the cover of Jimmy Cliff’s second album, was inspired by the postures and chose to ask him to be a part of the film. 

Of all the tributes, the most heartfelt, sincere and impactful at the homegoing ceremony was a simply one from his wife, Latifa Chambers Cliff, whose two children, Aken Cliff and Lilty Cliff, stood by her side.

“Jimmy is Jamaican for sure, as much as we are Jamaican as well. We used to live here when those two [our children] were young and going to school… All over the world, thank you, thank you, thank you,” Latifa, who hails from Morocco and France, briefly said before speaking in her mother tongue and allowing her children to deliver their remarks.

Intertwined in the celebration of Jimmy Cliff’s life were clips of the late icon speaking about his historical journey. 

Over six decades, Jimmy Cliff remained relevant, well-respected and resolute. He did not fade with time; he instead evolved. His induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and receipt of the Order of Merit were recognitions of international significance, honours bestowed upon a man who consistently elevated Jamaica’s standing on the world stage. 

His true legacy lives in the courage he gave to those facing hardship and also those striving for more.  He helped Jamaica to secure a permanent place in the global cultural landscape as a nation with its own voice, rhythm and truth.

Jimmy Cliff, although born July 30, 1944, in Summerton, St James, moved to west Kingston during his younger years. He belonged to the world, although he remained unmistakably Jamaican. He was a legend that transcended generations. 

On Wednesday, aspects of about 20 of his hit singles were recrafted and sung throughout the celebration of his life, lifting the sad and sombre mood. 

The movie The Harder They Come contributed significantly to the development of tourism over the years, as the sights and sounds inspired tourists to visit the island to feel the energy for themselves. Additionally, the soundtrack released by Island Records is consistently listed as one of the best movie soundtracks of all time, and, in 2021, was the second reggae album to have been inducted into the United States Library of Congress.

He was the recipient of one of Jamaica’s third-highest national honours, the Order of Merit. 

In March 2019, in honour of Jimmy Cliff, the Government of Jamaica spearheaded the renaming ceremony of the Jimmy Cliff Boulevard in Montego Bay, St James. In January 2021, the Government also presented him with an official passport with his status as a Reggae Ambassador.