Reggae legend and actor Jimmy Cliff has died aged 81.

The star is best known for songs such as Many Rivers to Cross and You Can get It If You Really Want – and for performing a cover version of Hakuna Matata, from Disney’s The Lion King.

Many of his songs were covered by musical royalty including Cher, UB40, Annie Lennox and Madness; he also became well known for his covers of Cat Stevens’ Wild World and I Can See Clearly Now by Johnny Nash.

Cliff, who won Grammy awards for albums Cliff Hanger and Rebirth, also built a career as an actor. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2010.

His wife Latifa Chambers confirmed his passing on social media.

She wrote: ‘It’s with profound sadness that I share that my husband, Jimmy Cliff, has crossed over due to a seizure followed by pneumonia.

‘I am thankful for his family, friends, fellow artists and coworkers who have shared his journey with him.

‘To all his fans around the world, please know that your support was his strength throughout his whole career … Jimmy, my darling, may you rest in peace. I will follow your wishes.’

Born James Chambers in 1944 in the Somerton district of St James, Jamaica, Cliff adopted his stage name at the age of 14 while writing songs in school. 

The song Hurricane Hattie, released when he was still a teenager, was an instant hit. 

He starred as Ivan in 1972’s The Harder They Come, since hailed as one of the most important films to come out of the Caribbean.

He is survived by his wife and two children, Lilty and Aken. 

This is a breaking news story. More to follow.  

Reggae singer Jimmy Cliff has died at the age of 81 after suffering a seizure