September 28, 2026

Tributes Pour In For Lt. Stitchie

Tributes continue to pour in following the death of veteran entertainer Lieutenant Stitchie.

The deejay and gospel artist, whose given name is Cleveland Laing, died in hospital Monday (Sept. 28), one day before his 61st birthday.

His death comes less than 24 hours after his wife, Sophia Laing, confirmed that he had been hospitalised at Kingston Public Hospital while receiving treatment for a low blood count.

Since news of his death emerged, fans, artistes and other members of the entertainment fraternity have been sharing memories and paying tribute to the veteran artiste.

Music producer Danny Brownie tells Music News that Lt. Stitchie played an important role in inspiring him to establish his Main Street Records music label.

Dancehall artiste Mr. G also remembered Lt. Stitchie as a significant figure in Jamaican music.

In a tribute shared on Instagram, Mr. G described him as a reggae and dancehall icon who helped pave the way for generations of artistes.

Dancehall deejay Spragga Benz also paid tribute, recalling watching old videos of Stitchie performing and hailing him as a legend.

Stitchie became known to Jamaican audiences through the sound-system circuit in the 1980s and went on to record popular songs including “Wear Yuh Size” and “Natty Dread.” His career later expanded internationally with a recording deal with Atlantic Records in 1988.

In 1997, Stitchie turned his attention to gospel music and ministry after becoming a born-again Christian. He subsequently built a successful gospel career while remaining a respected figure among his peers across Jamaica’s music industry.

Stitchie had experienced significant health challenges in recent years, including a debilitating stroke in September 2024.

In 2021, he was awarded the Order of Distinction in the rank of Officer (OD) for his contribution to Jamaican music.