Official funeral for reggae legend Jimmy Cliff set for December 17
Key Points(5)
- The official funeral for late reggae icon Jimmy Cliff will take place on Wednesday, December 17, at the National Indoor Sports Centre, beginning at 10:00 a.m.
- Minister Grange said the service would “provide an opportunity for the country to bid farewell to an outstanding son of Jamaica; an icon.” She added that the ceremony will feature only spoken word, dance, and music, in keeping with Cliff’s wishes.
- Jimmy Cliff passed away on November 24, 2025 at the age of 81.
- His wife announced that he died that morning from pneumonia after being hospitalized following a seizure.
- He was often described as rivaling Bob Marley in international prominence and influence within the genre.
The official funeral for late reggae icon Jimmy Cliff will take place on Wednesday, December 17, at the National Indoor Sports Centre, beginning at 10:00 a.m.
Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport Olivia Grange made the announcement in a media release on Tuesday, noting that Cliff — born James Chambers in 1944 — is being honored with an official funeral for “his immense contribution to Jamaican culture and entertainment.”
According to the release, the arrangements are being finalized by the Office of the Prime Minister in consultation with the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport and Cliff’s family.
Minister Grange said the service would “provide an opportunity for the country to bid farewell to an outstanding son of Jamaica; an icon.” She added that the ceremony will feature only spoken word, dance, and music, in keeping with Cliff’s wishes.
Jimmy Cliff passed away on November 24, 2025 at the age of 81. His wife announced that he died that morning from pneumonia after being hospitalized following a seizure.
Prime Minister Andrew Holness, in a statement following Cliff’s death, said the legendary musician’s work “lifted people through hard times, inspired generations, and helped to shape the global respect that Jamaica enjoys today.”
Widely regarded as one of Jamaica’s greatest musicians, Jimmy Cliff played a central role in popularizing reggae on the world stage. He was often described as rivaling Bob Marley in international prominence and influence within the genre.
