Former Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson has paid tribute to Jamaican reggae icon Jimmy Cliff, describing his passing as a profound global cultural loss.
RoundReports earlier reported that Cliff's passing was announced by his wife, Latifa Chambers on Instagram.
In a personal condolence message issued on Monday, Dickson said Cliff’s music shaped generations across continents, adding that his influence extended far beyond Jamaica and the Black diaspora.
“There is no doubt that his music and his art inspired many, especially people of my generation and those older, not only in his native Jamaica and not only among Black people, but all over the world,” he said.
Dickson revealed that during his time as governor, he had hoped to host the reggae star in Bayelsa as part of efforts to promote arts, culture and tourism in the state, an initiative through which he invited global icons including Earl Klugh, Miriam Makeba and Hugh Masekela.
Describing himself as “an incurable lover of the arts,” Dickson said Cliff’s death evoked memories of artistes who shaped his worldview, drawing parallels between the Jamaican legend and Nigeria’s own musical greats such as Fela Anikulapo Kuti, Rex Jim Lawson, Osita Osadebe, Sir Victor Uwaifo, King Robert Ebizimor, and surviving icons King Sunny Ade and Ebenezer Obey.
“Today at his passing, we are reminded of his iconic classics that are timeless, a lasting gift he made to the world,” he added.
Dickson prayed for the repose of Cliff’s soul and hoped that his legacy would continue to be celebrated across generations.
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