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The instructions on Wednesday were clear: no serious, sad or long faces. And the crowd that packed into a gymnasium in the Jamaican capital largely obliged as they honored reggae legend Jimmy Cliff.
Jamaica’s Culture Minister Olivia Grange said, “Jimmy didn’t want a sad or somber occasion.” “He devoted a lot of his life to performing music.”
The charismatic Jamaican artist best known for classics including “Many Rivers to Cross” and his role in the landmark film “The Harder They Come” died last month at the age of 81. Nearly a month later, many people around the world were still mourning and paying their respects.
Among them was Purcell Johnson, 84, who said she attended Somerton Elementary School with Cliff.
“I had to be here,” he said, his face glowing, at his tribute in his native Jamaica on Wednesday. “We played on the way to school and on the way home. I’m proud of him. He’s done well.”
Johnson recalled how Cliff was happy-go-lucky and would be teased and called “Little Tuku” for being short as a child.
an ambassador from jamaica
There was pride mixed with sadness at Wednesday’s tribute, where official speeches were punctuated with dancing, live music and interview excerpts of Cliff sitting near a mixing board.
Songs such as “Bongo Man,” “Many Rivers to Cross” and “Wonderful World, Beautiful People” filled the gymnasium throughout the ceremony. It was broadcast live, attended by thousands of viewers new york till united kingdom and including video messages from artists shaggy To sting,
Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness said, “We pause to honor the man whose voice, music and spirit carried his country far beyond its shores, before the world really knew our name.”
He said that Cliff was much more than a singer, songwriter, actor and artist.
Holness said, “Jimmy Cliff was a messenger who brought the story of this small island, its struggles, resilience, faith and beauty to a wide audience and ensured that Jamaica was heard, recognized and respected.”
He said that Cliff’s message is that hope is possible despite hardship: “Jimmy Cliff didn’t just entertain the world. Jimmy Cliff uplifted the world.”
a terrible eulogy
Those in attendance at Wednesday’s memorial service said Cliff lived what he preached.
Terri Ann Hamilton Stewart, 38, who adored him while breastfeeding her three-year-old son, recalled that Cliff would give her lunch money when she visited his recording studio in Kingston.
“Jimmy is a legend. He used to tell me to study my lessons,” said the former Queens High School graduate, who is from Rose Garden, Kingston, a community affected by violence.
Another fan, Carlton Darby, who was wearing leopard print regalia and a crown representing the Pokomo tribe in Kenya, described Cliff as a pioneer who laid the foundation of reggae music.
“He was there before Bob Marley and I’m here to pay tribute to him,” he said.
Among those invited to speak at the tribute ceremony was Justine Henzell, daughter of film director Perry Henzell, who directed “The Harder They Come.”
She noted that Cliff was always a part of her world.
He said, “It’s hard to admire a man whose life has so many facets.”
While Cliff was known as a “real rude boy”, Henzel said, “The guy I knew, I never heard him raise his voice or lose his temper.”
Cliff’s widow, children and other relatives also took the stage to remember him.
His brother, Victor Chambers, said he was fortunate to travel with Cliff and “see so many people being impacted by him.”
While on stage, he read the names of 19 of Cliff’s children who were in the audience.
“Please know you are not alone,” Chambers said. “You carry your father’s spirit, strength, and love with you always. May you find comfort in knowing how deeply he loved you.”
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