Thousands pay tribute to Jimmy Cliff in Jamaica

The instructions were clear: no serious, sad or long faces. And the crowd filing into a gymnasium in Jamaica's capital Kingston largely obliged as they honoured reggae giant Jimmy Cliff.

"Jimmy didn't want a sad or sombre occasion," said Olivia Grange, Jamaica's culture minister. "He gave so much of his life to delivering music."

The charismatic Jamaican artist known for classics including Many Rivers to Cross, and his role in the landmark movie, The Harder They Come, died in November at 81.

Nearly a month later, many around the world were still in mourning and paying their respects.

Among them was 84-year-old Purcell Johnson, who said she attended Somerton Elementary School with Cliff.

"I had to be here," she said of his tribute in his native Jamaica. "We used to play while attending school and on our way home. I am proud of him. He has done well."

Johnson recalled how Cliff was jovial and used to tease her and call her "Little Tuku" because she was short as a child.

Sadness mixed with pride at Wednesday's tribute, where official speeches were punctuated with dances, live music and interview excerpts of Cliff sitting by a mixing board.

Songs including Bongo Man, Many Rivers to Cross, and Wonderful World, Beautiful People, filled the gymnasium throughout the ceremony. It was broadcast live, drawing in thousands of viewers from New York to the United Kingdom and incorporating video messages from artists ranging from Shaggy to Sting.

"We pause to honour a man whose voice, music and spirit carried his nation far beyond its shores long before the world truly knew our name," said Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness.

He noted that Cliff was more than a singer, songwriter, actor and performer.

"Jimmy Cliff was a messenger, one who carried the story of this small island, its struggles, resilience, faith and beauty to the widest possible audience and ensured that Jamaica was heard, recognised and respected," Holness said.

He added Cliff's message is that hope remains possible despite hardship: "Jimmy Cliff didn't merely entertain the world. Jimmy Cliff uplifted the world."