A luxurious red carpet lining the walkway inside the National Indoor Sports Centre on Wednesday sent the clearest signal of the kind of celebration that would unfold as Jamaicans bade farewell to a man described simply as musical royalty.

James Chambers, known globally as Jimmy Cliff, was celebrated in death, as he was in life, with a vibrant ceremony befitting the legendary musical icon he was.

There were no tears; in fact, smiles found way to the faces of family members, dignitaries, musical stars, and ordinary Jamaicans as they eulogised the legend and danced the evening away to some of Jimmy Cliff’s timeless hits.

Dubbed one of Jamaica’s greatest cultural icons, Jimmy Cliff was remembered not only for his musical exploits, which made him a global powerhouse, but for his nature, his love for country, and for leading by example.

As his daughter Lilty Cliff so eloquently put it in her brief tribute, “Dad didn’t just sing these songs, he lived the messages every day.”

Her sentiments were shared by Prime Minister Andrew Holness: “Jimmy Cliff was more than a singer, he was more than a songwriter, he was more than an actor, more than a performer. Jimmy Cliff was a messenger; one who carried the story of this small island, of all its struggles, resilience, faith, and beauty to the wider global audience, and ensured that Jamaica was heard, recognised, and respected.”

“Jimmy Cliff did not merely entertain the world; Jimmy Cliff uplifted the world,” Holness charged.

As his musical brothers and sisters paid tribute to him in song and dance, his legacy was felt in every rendition. From the soul-stirring Many Rivers to Cross, to the message of resilience echoed through The Harder They Come or the vibrancy that pulsated through Reggae Night, his message was unquestionable.

Minister of Culture and Entertainment Olivia “Babsy” Grange, in her tribute, shared that Jimmy Cliff’s music ultimately became “anthems of resilience, hope, and resistance for oppressed and marginalised people everywhere”.

“…Jimmy Cliff remained grounded and deeply connected to his Jamaican roots. He never stopped acknowledging the people who shaped him, the communities that supported him, and the island that nourished his spirit,” she said.

Jimmy Cliff passed away on November 24 after a brief period of illness. He was 81 years old.

The celebration of life included tributes from the likes of Tessanne Chin, Duane Stephenson, Richie Spice, Richie Stephens, Etana, Beenie Man, Tony Rebel, Alaine, Tarrus Riley, Luciano, Dean Fraser, and more.

Odessa Chambers, the eldest daughter of the late singer, told the Jamaica Observer post-service that she was moved by the turnout as well as the atmosphere inside the National Indoor Sports Centre. She said she believed the event delivered exactly the kind of memorial her father would have wanted and expressed her gratitude to the Government for its hand in executing Wednesday’s proceedings.

“I feel really good about today because I really think this was how my Dada would have wanted it. He loved to celebrate with family and friends,” she said.

Nadine Sutherland offers her tribute. (Photo: Naphtali Junior)

Carlton Darby, leader of United Progressive Party in Toronto, Canada (Photo: Naphtali Junior)

From left: Singers Nadine Sutherland, Carlene Davis, Judy Mowatt, Marcia Griffiths, and Minister of Culture Olivia Grange (Photo: Naphtali Junior)

Lennie Little-White and former “Dancehall Queen” Carlene Smith (Photo: Naphtali Junior)

Luciano (Photo: Naphtali Junior)

Etana (Photo: Naphtali Junior)

Dean Fraser (Photo: Naphtali Junior)

Tony Rebel (Photo: Naphtali Junior)

Richie Spice (Photo: Naphtali Junior)

Ewan Simpson, president, Jamaica Reggae Industry Association (JaRIA), arrives at the National Indoor Sports Centre for the funeral. (Photo: Naphtali Junior)

Sean Paul pays last respects to Jimmy Cliff. (Photo: Naphtali Junior)