The global music community is mourning the death of reggae icon Jimmy Cliff, the acclaimed singer, actor, and songwriter whose work helped carry Jamaican music onto the world stage. He died at the age of 81.

Cliff’s wife, Latifa Chambers, announced his passing on his official Instagram page, revealing that the musician died after suffering a seizure followed by pneumonia. She thanked fans worldwide, saying their unwavering support was his strength throughout his whole career.

“It is with deep sorrow that I announce my husband, Jimmy Cliff, has passed away following a seizure and subsequent pneumonia,” his wife wrote on his official Instagram page.

Seen as one of the biggest names in reggae, Cliff helped make the music famous far beyond the Caribbean. He played several instruments and mixed reggae and ska with soul and folk, creating a style that people all over the world loved.

His breakthrough came with the 1972 film The Harder They Come, in which he starred as aspiring musician Ivan Martin. The movie and its soundtrack became cultural landmarks, propelling reggae into mainstream audiences in the United States and Europe. Songs like “The Harder They Come” and “Many Rivers to Cross” remain timeless classics.

Beyond his movie success, Cliff recorded global favourites that inspired millions, such as “You Can Get It If You Really Want” and his widely loved cover of “I Can See Clearly Now.”

Jamaica’s Prime Minister, Andrew Holness, described him as “a true cultural giant whose music carried the heart of our nation to the world.”

Jimmy Cliff’s voice may have gone silent, but his legacy filled with messages of hope, struggle, and triumph continues to echo across generations.