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JIMMY CLIFF LIVES UP TO EXPECTATIONS AT AFRICAN FESTIVAL OF LIFE
Reggae Icon Proves That One Has To Be A Master To Stay On Top
By The Journalist
CHICAGO:-
He has many rivers to cross in this wild world and can get it if he really
wants. Once a Johnny too Bad, Jimmy Cliff has not lost his natural flair
for whipping up hits. For thirty years, Cliff has dominated the reggae
and pop charts and starred in movies.
The fifteen thousand people that descended on Washington Park July 2 for the 8th Annual African Festival of Life will forever remember that day. Built as the climax for this year’s event, Cliff’s crisp performance demonstrated that it takes a musical virtuoso to remain on top in this competitive business.
Dazzling in a colorful red yellow and green outfit and a bandanna to match, Cliff and his band permeated the ambiance on the park perfectly while sharing the ideology of Ephraim Martin, organizer and promoter of this wonderful event that “Out of many nationalities, races or colors, we are one people.”
As Cliff and the Oneness Band tore into several of the favorites including “Vietnam,” “The Harder They Come,” “ Many Rivers to Cross,” “ You can get it if you really want,” and a nostalgic interpretation of “Wild World,” the crowd responded by singing along and acknowledging that beautiful music transcends all racial barriers.
On this particular hot and inviting July day, Cliff let it all hang out as he continuously roamed about the stage while communicating with the band members and gesticulating to the crowd for more participation. At 52, the agile Cliff moves swiftly and dances with vigor. His simple and melodic phrases makes it possible for novice singers to join along by placing them in memory land.
The highlight of the evening however belonged to the moment when all band members discarded their instruments and harmonized on the beautiful melody of “Rivers of Babylon” while banging on the traditional drums and bongos. A master performer, Cliff has proven repeatedly that people have to enjoy what they do in order to be competitive in this modern world.
Jimmy Cliff has nothing else to prove in the music world. In 1964, he signed a contract with Island Records. In 1969, his song “Wonderful World, Beautiful People” became a worldwide hit. The movie “The Harder They Come,” released in 1973 propelled Cliff into superstardom as he proved he could sing and act. He won a Grammy Award in 1985 for his album “Cliff Hanger.”
“It gets better every year, and we are delighted to have this many people have a good time,” said Martin.
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