of More collecting reports that Jimmy Cliff and Wyclef Jean have teamed up for ‘Refugees’, ahead of the release of his first album in 10 years, refuGeeswhich is set for August 12.
Grammy Award-winning icon, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee Jimmy Cliff has teamed up with Fugees co-founder Wyclef Jean for a new single titled Refugees. This track paves the way for his first album in over a decade, refuGeeswhich is scheduled for release on August 12 via UMe.
With a dance version out now and a rap version due out later, “Refugees” captures the spirit of Cliff’s most classic performance with a neo-soul hip-hop twist, courtesy of Wyclef. It also continues the creative and spiritual connection between these two bad guys, as Wyclef famously inducted Cliff into the Roll Hall of Fame in 2010.
Regarding this generational collaboration, Wyclef commented, “For me, coming to America was not easy when I first got here. Having family members suffering political torture was not easy for us. When I say ‘Fugees’, ‘Fugees’ is short for ‘refugees’. I’ve always said, ‘If I could get into one message, this would be it.’ And who inspires it? Jimmy Cliff is one of my biggest inspirations ever, and he has always stayed on message when it comes to peace, love and unity. The collaboration with this record is exactly who we are, talking about the forgotten. In an age where love is needed, I don’t think anyone can convey that better than the king.” This is what the “king” does best for Refugees.
Cliff said: “I’m very proud of this because it sees Jimmy Cliff in a new musical direction. I’m always up to something new. Although refuGees it’s a heavy title, you’ll be moving your feet because it’s on the dance floor. Here we go. I like it.”
Among the 13 songs, he notably collaborates with his daughter, Lilty, on the emotional film “Racism”. “The way the song came about is just a story about musicians having fun together. I was just messing around. The bandleader ended up recording some stuff. The next thing I know, I hear that I’m actually going to play in a song. Jimmy is a man who has always stayed true to his convictions. I think Racism is a song that really says it all refuGees the album is about unity and tolerance. The fact [that] I get to be a part of it and it’s really great. I can’t wait for everyone to hear it. I see you,” said Lilty.
As always, Cliff celebrated his 78th birthday on July 30. This year also marked the 50th anniversary of eternity The harder they come – the classic Cliff movie originally released in 1972. His creation i The harder they come the soundtrack effectively started and popularized reggae. Given its importance, the Library of Congress deemed it “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant” and selected it for preservation in the National Register of Recordings. The album’s release also fittingly follows the 60th anniversary of Jamaica’s Independence.
In 2012, Cliff gave to the world rebirth, which received a Grammy Award for Best Reggae Album and ended the year on Rolling Stone’s ’50 Best Albums of 2012′. Jimmy Cliff stands out as the only living reggae musician to hold the Order of Merit, the highest honor that can be bestowed by the Jamaican Government for achievement in the arts and sciences.
For full article see https://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/entertainment/20220801/jimmy-cliff-and-wyclef-jean-team-refugees
See also https://www.messenger-inquirer.com/lifestyles/entertainment/jimmy-cliff-returns-with-new-single-refugees/article_39b93828-34dd-59cb-8ed9-67447af6c164.html
