Three Jamaican music icons have recently received new certifications from the British Phonographic Industry (BPI) for their Billboard-charting hits.
Jimmy Cliff, known for his reggae and ska music, received a silver certification for his cover of ‘I Can See Clearly Now’. Originally recorded by American singer Johnny Nash in 1972, Cliff’s version was featured on the soundtrack to the film Cool Runnings and peaked at #18 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song also topped charts in France, Iceland, and New Zealand. Cliff’s version had previously been certified gold in France and platinum in New Zealand.
Sean Paul, a dancehall superstar, earned gold certification for his hit ‘We Be Burnin’. The song, produced by Renaissance, was a success in North America in 2005, reaching the top ten in the US, Canada, Germany, Italy, and the UK. ‘We Be Burnin’ has also received gold certifications in Canada, Denmark, Germany, and Japan, and was recently certified platinum in the United States.
Wayne Wonder’s ‘No Letting Go’, produced by Steven ‘Lenky’ Marsden, took the world by storm in 2003. The song raced to #3 in the UK, #11 on the Billboard Hot 100, and #14 on the R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. ‘No Letting Go’ also charted in Australia, Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, Netherlands, Switzerland, Sweden, and Scotland. The track had previously been certified gold in the US.
These certifications from the BPI are a testament to the enduring popularity and impact of these Jamaican artists and their music on the international music scene. Congratulations to Jimmy Cliff, Sean Paul, and Wayne Wonder on this well-deserved recognition of their talent and success.
