Sean Paul, Yusuf (Cat Stevens) and Others Pay Tribute to Reggae Icon Jimmy Cliff

Musicians and fans worldwide have been paying tribute to Jimmy Cliff, the influential reggae artist whose family announced his passing on Monday, Nov. 24, 2025. Cliff was 81 and, according to a statement from his wife, Latifah Chambers, he died after suffering a seizure and developing pneumonia.

Artists spanning dancehall, pop, rock and roots reggae have shared memories and condolences, celebrating the singer’s enduring influence on global music.

Among the earliest public remembrances, Sean Paul posted a black-and-white photo of Cliff on Instagram with the message: “R.I.P 2 a real general. He hit them the harder they came. Fly high my G.” That post prompted an outpouring of appreciation from fans who credited Cliff with helping bring reggae to international audiences. View Sean Paul’s tribute.

“A powerful presence. God bless him. His songs always had some message of peace — may he find it now and forever.” — Yusuf/Cat Stevens, reflecting on Cliff’s rendition of “Wild World,” a song closely associated with the singer.

The Marley family also honored Cliff, highlighting his early support of a young Bob Marley. In an Instagram message they noted that Cliff introduced Marley to producer Leslie Kong in 1962, which led to Marley’s first singles, including “Judge Not” and “One Cup of Coffee.” Their post included a smiling archival photo that underscored the artists’ shared roots in Jamaica’s musical history.

Shaggy shared a stage photo of the two and wrote that he was “saddened to hear about the passing of the legendary Jimmy Cliff,” praising Cliff’s voice, message and spirit as formative to the soul of reggae. Ali Campbell, frontman of UB40, called Cliff a “reggae forefather,” adding: “A true foundation, a pillar of our music, and one of the first to carry reggae out into the world. Rest easy King, ‘Many Rivers to Cross.’”

Tributes continue to arrive from across the music community as listeners and fellow artists remember Jimmy Cliff’s songs, activism and the cultural bridge he helped build between Jamaica and the world.

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