A Night to Remember: Celebrating Jimmy Cliff

When trumpeter and singer Dwight Richards took the stage at the National Indoor Sports Centre for Reggae Night, the atmosphere was electric. As he drew from the rich catalogue of his good friend Jimmy Cliff, the crowd erupted in joy, ready to “jam ‘til the morning light.” It was a night filled with “rub-a-dubbin’, rockin’, jammin’, fun, fun, lovin’” that showcased the spirit of reggae and the legacy of one of its greatest icons.

Photographers and videographers scrambled to capture the magic of the moment. For those brief minutes, it was clear: despite life’s challenges, the world is indeed a beautiful place, filled with wonderful people. Richards, perhaps due to his close bond with Cliff, was given extra time to perform, and he certainly did his musical brother proud. The venue pulsated with passion and tribute, a fitting homage to the greatness of Jimmy Cliff.

The event, officially celebrating Cliff’s life, was presented by the Government of Jamaica and curated by the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, alongside the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission. Scheduled to kick off at 3 p.m., the show began just a few minutes late, but those in Cliff’s inner circle were keenly aware of the time.

“Whenever he was performing, Jimmy Cliff always reached the venue one hour before the time. He was a professional to the core… never late,” shared Norman ‘Dewey’ Reid, who has traveled with Cliff for over two decades. This sentiment was echoed by veteran tour manager Copeland Forbes and Stephen Stewart, chairman of the Jamaica Association of Composers, Authors and Publishers.

The evening was a musical journey through Cliff’s profound discography. Richie Spice opened with the 1982 hit “Treat the Youths Right,” setting the tone for a night filled with classics. Other performers included Dwight Richards with medleys like “King of Kings/Miss Jamaica,” Duane Stephenson with “Wonderful World, Beautiful People,” and many more. Each artist shared personal stories of how Cliff inspired them, creating a tapestry of memories and emotions.

Among the audience were Cliff’s children, including his 21-year-old daughter, Lilty Cliff, who witnessed firsthand the immense respect and love for their father. The highlight of the evening came from Cliff’s 86-year-old brother, Victor Chambers, who proudly called out the names of all 19 of Cliff’s children, prompting cheers from the crowd.

Interestingly, the children bear three different surnames—Chambers, Bashir, and Cliff. Victor explained that his brother had changed his name multiple times throughout his life. Born James Chambers, he adopted the stage name Jimmy Cliff early in his career. After embracing Islam in the 1970s, he became Na’im Bashir, only to revert back to Chambers. On this special day, he was honored as Jimmy Chambers Cliff, a name also shared by his wife, Latifa.

Tributes poured in from various dignitaries, including Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness, who reflected on Cliff’s lasting impact. “We give thanks for his contribution and unwavering belief in the power of Jamaican culture,” he said, recalling the last time he saw Cliff perform. Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Mottley, also sent a heartfelt video message, emphasizing the global significance of honoring Jimmy Cliff.

As the night unfolded, it became clear that this celebration was not just about music; it was a heartfelt acknowledgment of a man who transcended generations and brought the Caribbean’s story to the world. With each note played and each story shared, the legacy of Jimmy Cliff shone brightly, reminding everyone present of the power of music and community.

What does it mean to celebrate a legend like Jimmy Cliff? Perhaps it’s about recognizing the threads of connection that bind us all together through the universal language of music.