Farewell for Jimmy Cliff an Official Celebration of his life

Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Olivia Grange, says that the farewell to reggae singer Jimmy Cliff, scheduled for this Wednesday at the National Indoor Sports Centre, will be an “official celebration of a well-lived life and would feature the music for which Jimmy was known and to which he dedicated his life”.

Headlines across traditional and social media have labelled the event “an official funeral” rather than a celebration of life.

Minister Grange said in a press release that the celebration of Jimmy Cliff’s life will not be a typical service that is held after a person’s passing.

“Jimmy didn’t want a sad or sombre occasion, he wanted a celebration of his life and we are honouring his memory and his wishes,” Grange said.

The Official Celebration for the life of Jimmy Cliff will take place on Wednesday, December 17, beginning at 3 p.m., instead of 10 a.m. as was previously announced.

Minister Grange said the celebration will feature “performances of about 20 of Jimmy Cliff’s songs by leading members of the entertainment industry”, including Dwight Richards, Tessanne Chin, Nadine Sutherland, Beenie Man, Alaine, Duane Stephenson, and the icon’s daughter, Lilty Cliff.

Tributes are to be made by officials of state, including the Prime Minister, Dr Andrew Holness. Ziggy Marley and Shaggy will be among those making tributes via video.

Minister Grange said members of the public should “come prepared to celebrate the life and enduring impact of Jimmy Cliff on Jamaica as well as culture and entertainment”.

A post made on Jimmy Cliff’s official Instagram account five days ago stated,”We are grateful to the Jamaican government for Celebrating the Life of Jimmy Cliff on the 17th of December 2025 in Kingston at the National Indoor Sports Center. See you there.”

No mention was made of a date for a funeral.

During a tribute in the House of Representatives on Tuesday November 25, it was announced that the Government had accorded an official funeral to musical icon James ‘Jimmy Cliff’ Chambers. It was also revealed at the time that he had left “specific instructions about how he wants Jamaica to say farewell to him”.

The Grammy Award-winning, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee passed away on Monday, November 24. He was 81.

entertainment@gleanerjm.com