KINGSTON, Jamaica—The official funeral of late reggae icon Jimmy Cliff will be held on Wednesday, December 17, at the National Indoor Sports Centre beginning at 10:00am.

This was announced by Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport Olivia Grange in a media release on Tuesday.

“He’s being accorded an official funeral by the Government for his immense contribution to Jamaican Culture and Entertainment,” said Minister Grange.

According to the release, the arrangements are being finalised by the Office of the Prime Minister in consultation with the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport and the family of the acclaimed musician, singer and actor who was born James Chambers in 1944.

Minister Grange said the service at the National Indoor Centre would “provide an opportunity for the country to bid farewell to an outstanding son of Jamaica; an icon.”

The minister said the service would feature only spoken word, dance and music in keeping with Jimmy Cliff’s wishes.

Jimmy Cliff passed away on November 24, 2025 at the age of 81.