Tributes to respected 'forefather of reggae'

REGGAE superstar Jimmy Cliff has died at the age of 81, his family has announced.

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The musician, best known for the title track from seminal film The Harder They Come, died following a seizure after he came down with pneumonia, his wife Latifa said.

A post to his Instagram page said: “It’s with profound sadness that I share that my husband, Jimmy Cliff, has crossed over due to a seizure followed by pneumonia.

“I am thankful for his family, friends, fellow artists and coworkers who have shared his journey with him.

“To all his fans around the world, please know that your support was his strength throughout his whole career.

“He really appreciated each and every fan for their love.”

She added: “Jimmy, my darling, may you rest in peace. I will follow your wishes. I hope you all can respect our privacy during these hard times.”

The post was signed by his wife and two of his children, Lilty and Aken.