A Fitting Musical Farewell

Gov’t, artiste fraternity honour legacy of Jimmy Cliff at official funeral

The optimism veteran reggae artiste Jimmy Cliff oozed in life summed-up the performances and tributes at his thanksgiving service on Wednesday, December 17 at National Indoor Sports Centre in St Andrew.  It was a celebration befitting the country boy from Somerton, St James, who became an international superstar.

Artistes, musicians, politicians, and the working-class turned out to salute the legendary singer-songwriter who died on November 24 at age 81.

Attendees, including the entertainer’s widow Latifa Chambers and many of his 19 children, along with those watching on the live stream across the globe, heard tributes from Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness, Leader of the Opposition Mark Golding, and entertainment minister Olivia Grange.

Holness noted that Jimmy Cliff — real name James Chambers — never forgot his roots in rural Jamaica. It was a humility he exuded while playing Ivan in ‘The Harder They Come,’ the 1972 movie directed by Perry Henzell, charged the prime minister.

“Songs such as “Many Rivers to Cross;” “You Can Get it If You Really Want;” “Wonderful World, Beautiful People;” and “The Harder They Come,” spoke directly to struggles, perseverance, and hope. They did not merely entertain; they affirmed dignity, resilience, and belief in possibility,” said Holness.

Golding addressed the importance of The Harder They Come and its role in introducing Jamaican pop culture to an international audience.

“Jimmy Cliff played a major role in that film. He delivered a performance so natural, so authentic, and so convincing that it helped guarantee the film’s timelessness,” said Golding.

Latifa, her children Aken and Lilty, expressed their husband and father’s love for humanity and his homeland. Lilty was among the service’s performers. She did a rendition of “Moving On” with singer Tammi T, keyboardist Chris McDonald, and trumpeter/vocalist Dwight Richards, who toured and recorded with Jimmy Cliff.

At the end of the three-hour service the family was presented with a Jamaican flag by Holness, Grange, and Golding.

Among the tributes offered, Victor Chambers, the late artiste’s older brother, recalled travelling the world with his famous sibling and being introduced to different cultures. He then acknowledged his 19 nieces and nephews. Each name he called drawing sustained applause.

Among the attendees were Chris Blackwell, founder of Island Records, the company that distributed many of Jimmy Cliff’s early hit songs in the United Kingdom, including “Wonderful World Beautiful People” and “Vietnam” — performed during the service by Tony Rebel.

Carl Bradshaw, who played Jose, Ivan’s nemesis in “The Harder They Come,” also attended.

There were outstanding performances from the National Dance Theatre Company and Tivoli Dance Troupe, who performed movements to “Many Rivers to Cross” and “Wonderful World, Beautiful People,” respectively.

Richie Spice offered “Treat the Youth Right,” while Richards did justice to the ska songs “King of Kings,” “Miss Jamaica,” as well as “Reggae Night,” which introduced Jimmy Cliff to new fans in the early 1980s.

Songbird Tessanne Chin, who also toured with Jimmy Cliff, did a rousing rendition of “I Can See Clearly Now” which he covered for “Cool Runnings,” the hit 1993 movie.

The musical segment closed with tribute songs from Duane Stephenson, Luciano, Tammi T, Dean Fraser, Nadine Sutherland, Tarrus Riley, Alaine, Abijah, Beenie Man, and Richie Stephens.