Jimmy Cliff’s legacy was honoured by the Jamaica Film & Television Association (JAFTA) during a mini exhibition on December 4 at 10A West King’s House Road in St Andrew.

That location is the former home of Perry Henzell, director/writer of The Harder They Come, the 1972 movie which starred Jimmy Cliff as Ivan.

He died on November 24 at age 81.

Nadean Rawlins, president of JAFTA, presented a citation to three of the singer-songwriter’s children — Odessa, Safa and Sana.

She told the Jamaica Observer that the veteran artiste deserves unlimited recognition.

“Jimmy Cliff’s contribution to Jamaican culture and cinema is unmatched. The Harder They Come not only introduced Jamaican film and reggae to the world, but fundamentally changed how Caribbean stories were viewed internationally,” she said. “It is fitting to honour a pioneer whose work laid the foundation for Jamaica’s film industry and opened doors for every film-maker who followed.”

The citation was read by actor/singer Everaldo Creary, representing JAFTA.

Odessa thanked the organisation on behalf of her family.

Henzell, who died in 2006, said he worked on The Harder They Come while living at 10A West King’s House Road. He co-wrote the screenplay with Trevor Rhone.

The mini exhibition was attended by his daughter, Justine Henzell, who organised the pieces shown, which included photos, paintings, drawings, and poems that were shown at the same venue three years ago to mark the 50th anniversary of The Harder They Come.

Cliff, whose song catalogue includes The Harder They Come, Many Rivers to Cross, Reggae Night, and
Rebel in Me, will be honoured with an official funeral by the Jamaican Government on December 17.

— Howard Campbell