Jimmy Cliff: A celebration of life

Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness and Minister of Culture Olivia Grange led Jamaicans in a fulsome celebration of the life of Jimmy Chambers Cliff, Grammy Award-winning singer, actor, Hall of Fame inductee and son of the soil.

Among those present inside the National Indoor Centre in Kingston yesterday afternoon were many of Cliff’s 19 children – whose names his brother, Victor, listed in his tribute – his widow Latifa Chambers Cliff, other family members, dignitaries, representatives of the music fraternity, and fans of all ages.

“We give thanks for his contribution and we give thanks for his unwavering belief in the power of the Jamaican culture,” Holness said as he recalled the last time he saw Jimmy Cliff perform live.

“It was clear that Jimmy Cliff’s legend transcended generations,” Holness stated.

Cliff’s widow spoke to a global audience as she gave thanks in many different languages for the outpouring of love. She was accompanied on stage by her and Jimmy’s two children, Aken Cliff and Lilty Cliff.

Opposition Leader Mark Golding paid tribute in person, while video tributes came from Sheryl Lee Ralph, Shaggy and Sting, Inner Circle, Wyclef Jean and Ziggy Marley.

Tribute in dance came from the National Dance Theatre Company, with dancers Kerry-Ann Henry and Shavaughn Byndloss moving to Cliff’s Many Rivers to Cross. It was the same song that Cliff’s daughter, Lilty, chose and delivered a passion-filled interpretation.

“I hope my father would have been proud of me,” Lilty Cliff told The Gleaner.

Tribute performances of Cliff’s songs were done by Richie Spice, Dwight Richards, Tony Rebel, Beenie Man, Nadine Sutherland, Alaine, Etana, Tarrus Riley,

Duane Stephenson, Dwight Richards, Sandy Smith and Chris McDonald, among others.

yasmine.peru@gleanerjm.com