Lieutenant Stitchie Dies at Kingston Public Hospital After Period of Illness

Veteran Jamaican entertainer Lieutenant Stitchie, born Cleveland Laing, has died in hospital at 60 after a long illness, Minister Olivia Grange said, describing him as a major force in dancehall and gospel music. She noted his breakthrough with “Wear Yu Size,” his move to gospel after a near-fatal accident, and his lasting impact on Jamaican culture at home and abroad.

The People’s National Party is mourning veteran dancehall artiste and gospel minister Lieutenant Stitchie, who died in hospital at 60, one day before his 61st birthday. Nekeisha Burchell praised his role in shaping early dancehall, taking Jamaican music abroad, and later reinventing himself through ministry and gospel reggae.

Reggae gospel artiste Lieutenant Stitchie, born Cleveland Laing, has died at a hospital in the Corporate Area after battling serious health problems. His death came hours after his wife appealed for blood donations, following a 2024 stroke and severe brain haemorrhage that left him in critical condition.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness and Opposition Leader Mark Golding have paid tribute to veteran entertainer Lieutenant Stitchie, who died after a period of illness. Both leaders said the dancehall and gospel artist, born Cleveland Laing, left a lasting mark on Jamaican music and culture, with a legacy that will continue to inspire generations.

Veteran dancehall deejay and gospel artiste Lieutenant Stitchie, born Cleveland “Cleve” Laing, died at hospital on Monday, one day before his 61st birthday, after a period of illness and a September 2024 stroke. The Spanish Town-born performer helped shape early dancehall before later turning to gospel music in 1997, leaving a major legacy in Jamaican music.

Sophia Laing is appealing for blood donations for reggae gospel artiste Cleve “Stitchie” Laing, who is being treated at a public hospital in Kingston after a low blood count. The former dancehall star, who suffered a severe stroke and brain haemorrhage in 2024, has been in care for more than two years and turns 64 on Tuesday.

Veteran deejay Lieutenant Stitchie is at KPH receiving blood after his blood count fell, and his wife Sophia Laing is asking family, friends and church members to donate. The gospel artiste, who suffered a stroke in September 2024, is still unable to speak and has limited mobility as doctors monitor his latest setback.