Sean Paul and Yusuf Islam/Cat Stevens have led tributes to legendary musician, Jimmy Cliff.
The Jamaican reggae star, known for songs like Many Rivers to Cross and Reggae Night, died on Tuesday at the age of 81.
Cliff had been hospitalised after suffering a seizure and was reported to have had pneumonia.
Following the sad news, Paul took to Instagram to post a black-and-white photo of the artist posing with a gun.
“R.I.P 2 a real general. He hit them the harder they came. Fly high my G (sic),” the Jamaican dancehall singer-rapper wrote.
In addition, Yusuf described Cliff as a “powerful presence” in his life in a Facebook post, noting that his friend had found success with a cover of his 1970 track, Wild World.
“God bless him, his songs always had some message of peace – may he find it now and forever,” the British singer-songwriter declared.
Elsewhere, the family of the late Bob Marley shared a statement on Instagram.
“Our condolences to the family and loved ones of brother @jimmycliff as he makes his transition,” they captioned a throwback snap of Cliff smiling. “Jimmy was an instrumental figure in Bob’s coming up, having brought him to producer Leslie Kong in 1962 to record his very first singles, Judge Not and One Cup Of Coffee.”
Shaggy posted a photo of himself and Cliff onstage, too.
“Saddened to hear about the passing of the legendary Jimmy Cliff. His voice, his message, and his spirit helped shape the soul of reggae music. We’ve lost a true icon, but his light and legacy will live on forever,” the It Wasn’t Me star commented.
And UB40 frontman Ali Campbell noted he was “heartbroken” to learn of Cliff’s death.
“Absolutely heartbroken to hear about the passing of a Reggae forefather Jimmy Cliff. 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 (sic),” he posted on X.
