Reggae Legend Jimmy Cliff Passes Away at 81, Leaving a Profound Legacy in Brazil
Jamaican reggae pioneer Jimmy Cliff dies at 81, celebrated for his influential music career and deep cultural ties with Brazil, including collaborations with Brazilian artists and life in Salvador.
- • Jimmy Cliff died at 81 due to a seizure and pneumonia, his wife Latifa confirmed.
- • He was a key figure in popularizing reggae globally and starred in the 1972 film 'The Harder They Come.'
- • Cliff had strong cultural and musical connections to Brazil, living in Salvador, São Paulo, and Rio de Janeiro.
- • He collaborated with Brazilian artists like Gilberto Gil and had a daughter, Nabiyah Be, with Brazilian artist Sônia Gomes.
- • His music helped popularize reggae in Brazil, featuring in soap operas and inspiring generations.
Key details
Jimmy Cliff, the legendary Jamaican reggae pioneer, passed away at the age of 81 on October 24 due to a seizure followed by pneumonia, as confirmed by his wife, Latifa. Cliff was instrumental in popularizing reggae worldwide and was especially influential in Brazil, where his musical and cultural ties ran deep.
Born James Chambers in Jamaica, Cliff's early career blossomed with hits such as "Many Rivers to Cross," "Reggae Night," and "Vietnam." He also starred in the 1972 film "The Harder They Come," which was pivotal in introducing reggae to a global audience. A two-time Grammy Award winner, Cliff was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2010, solidifying his status as a music icon.
Cliff’s relationship with Brazil was notably strong. He frequently toured with Brazilian musician Gilberto Gil and released the 1968 album "Jimmy Cliff in Brazil," featuring English versions of Brazilian songs like "Andança." He lived in several Brazilian cities, including Salvador, São Paulo, and Rio de Janeiro, where he filmed music videos and immersed himself in the local culture. His connection to Salvador was particularly significant; he resided there in the 1980s and had a daughter, Nabiyah Be, with Brazilian visual artist Sônia Gomes. Nabiyah, an accomplished actress and singer, embraces her Brazilian heritage and is known internationally for her roles in projects like "Pantera Negra" and "Daisy Jones and The Six."
Beyond music, Cliff's ties to Brazil extended to personal relationships; he was involved with journalist Harumi Ishihara in the 1980s, who later appeared on Big Brother Brasil 16. His music often featured in Brazilian soap operas, helping to popularize reggae across the country.
Latifa, in announcing his death, expressed gratitude for the extensive support Cliff received from family, friends, fans, and medical staff. Jimmy Cliff leaves behind his family and an indelible impact on reggae music and Brazilian culture alike.
This article was synthesized and translated from native language sources to provide English-speaking readers with local perspectives.