- The Jamaican prime minister spoke highly of Jimmy Cliff and honoured him with a special funeral after a discussion with his widow
- The culture minister in the country revealed that Cliff left specific instructions for his farewell
- Details of the official funeral will be announced soon, following discussions with the departed musician’s wife
Reggae legend Jimmy Cliff will be accorded a state funeral.
Source: Facebook
The Jamaican government, through Culture Minister Olivia Grange, confirmed on Tuesday, November 25, with details to be announced shortly.
Why will Jimmy Cliff receive state funeral?
The announcement happened while the House of Representatives was honouring the singer, actor, and songwriter, who passed away on Monday, November 24, at 81.
Grange revealed that Cliff, born James Chambers, had left specific instructions about how his country should say farewell to him.
“He is one of the greatest Jamaican artistes and sons. I had the honour and privilege today of being on the phone while the most Honourable Prime Minister spoke with Jimmy Cliff’s wife Latifa Latifa, and they spent about 45 minutes on the phone this morning because she had a lot to say about Jimmy. He left specific instructions about how he wanted Jamaica to say farewell to him. And those details will be announced at a later date.
I’m very pleased to announce that the prime minister has given me the honour of announcing that Jimmy Cliff will be accorded an official funeral,” she announced.
What did Jamaican prime minister say about Jimmy Cliff?
Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness described Jamaica as mourning one of its greatest sons.
“Jimmy Cliff has taken his final bow, but his voice will continue to echo in dance halls and churches and quiet moments of reflection. His life reminds us that Jamaica’s creativity is indeed world class and that our stories, told in our language, our rhythm, are powerful enough to move the world.”
Netizens react as gov’t accords Jimmy Cliff state funeral
Billy Chiepe
“It is good that Jamaicans still have a deep sense of ‘botho’ or ‘Ubuntu’. No matter what, blacks must strive to preserve as much African traits in them as possible.”
Energy Terminologies:
“It should be known that he is the one who promoted reggae to the core. He uplifted Bob on his recordings. He was the one who took Bob to the studio when he was 16, and he made a legend. Big up cliff.”
Ricky Flex:
“We can have Jimmy Cliff day like Martin Luther King Day.”
Natural Harmony:
“Does this mean 21 21-gun salute for Mr Jimmy Cliff?”
Garfield Whyte:
“His wife said Jimmy said how he wanted Jamaica to remember him…. I am trying to process that… anyway, my favourite song by him is ……. sitting here in limbo.”
What was Jimmy Cliff’s cause of death?
As reported previously, Jimmy’s wife broke the sad news on social media and revealed the cause of his death.
She revealed that the musician died from a seizure, which was followed by pneumonia.
Source: Twitter
She also expressed gratitude for the support from fans and medical staff and requested privacy during this challenging time.
Proofreading by Jackson Otukho, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
