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Veteran Jamaican dancehall and gospel reggae artiste Lieutenant Stitchie has died at the age of 60, just one day before he would have celebrated his 61st birthday.
The entertainer, whose given name was Cleve Laing, was born on September 29, 1965, and became one of Jamaica’s recognisable voices during an entertainment career that spanned decades and crossed from dancehall into gospel reggae.
News of his passing comes after a prolonged period of serious health challenges. Stitchie suffered a debilitating stroke in September 2024 and had required extensive care since then.
Just one day before his reported death, his wife Sophia Laing confirmed that he had been admitted to Kingston Public Hospital after his blood count dropped. She said he was receiving blood and that relatives, friends and members of the church community had been asked to donate.
The latest health setback followed more than two years of recovery after his stroke. His wife had said he remained unable to speak and had limited mobility, while expressing gratitude that he had continued fighting through his illness.
Long before those health challenges, Lieutenant Stitchie had established himself as an important figure in Jamaican music.
A former athlete and schoolteacher, Stitchie developed his musical skills on the competitive sound system circuit in Spanish Town during the early 1980s, alongside emerging entertainers including Papa San, Wickerman and Major Worries.
His mainstream breakthrough came in 1986 with “Wear Yuh Size”, followed by recordings including “Natty Dread”. His energetic delivery, humour and distinctive lyrical style helped establish his identity during an influential period for Jamaican dancehall.
His growing success eventually carried him onto the international stage.
In 1988, Stitchie signed with Atlantic Records, becoming one of the early Jamaican dancehall artistes to secure a recording agreement with a major international label. He released three albums through the label, including “Wild Jamaican Romances”.
His life and career later underwent a significant transformation.
In 1997, Stitchie embraced Christianity and shifted his musical direction from secular dancehall towards gospel reggae. Rather than abandoning the distinctive delivery that had made him popular, he redirected it towards inspirational and faith-based music.
The change opened another chapter in a career that would ultimately connect him with audiences in both dancehall and gospel communities.
Stitchie continued recording and performing internationally while also using his platform for Christian ministry. His journey from teacher to dancehall entertainer and eventually gospel artiste became a defining part of his story.
His contribution to Jamaican music was formally recognised in 2021 when he received the Order of Distinction in the rank of Officer as part of Jamaica’s National Honours and Awards.
The final years of his life brought a different battle as his family dealt with the consequences of his 2024 stroke and the cost of prolonged medical care. Supporters, fellow entertainers and members of the Christian community rallied around him and his family.
His passing, one day before his September 29 birthday, brings an end to a career that travelled through several distinct eras of Jamaican music.
For longtime dancehall listeners, he will be remembered for the personality and lyrical style that helped establish his name during the 1980s. For another generation, he became equally recognised for his gospel recordings and ministry.
Lieutenant Stitchie would have turned 61 on Tuesday.
Condolences are being extended to his wife Sophia, his family, friends, fellow artistes and fans across Jamaica, the Caribbean and around the world.
Rest well, Big Artiste.
