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One of Jamaica’s dancehall pioneers, Lieutenant Stitchie, died in a hospital in Kingston, Jamaica, after suffering from a long-term illness.
On August 12, 2024, the Reggae icon suffered a brain hemorrhage; he underwent surgery on August 15 and was left unresponsive.
The dancehall pioneer whose birth name was Cleveland Laing entertained fans for more than 40 years.
Laing was born on September 28, 1965, in Spanish Town, Jamaica, and died one day before his 61st birthday.
Before dedicating his life to music, Laing taught biology at Spanish Town School.
In the mid-80s, Laing began working with the Django sound system while still pursuing his career as a schoolteacher.
When Stitchie broke out, he did it in a big way—ultimately becoming the only Dancehall artist to score 14 number-one hits in a single year.
Stitchie had fans moving to comedic songs like “Young Girl Wear Yu Size” and “Natty Dread.”
His fast-paced style of rapping and talent drew Atlantic Records to his music, and they signed him.
He became the first Dancehall artist to get signed to Atlantic Records.
In August 1997, while driving to a performance at Reggae Sunsplash, he was involved in a car accident.
Stitchie left the hospital against his doctor’s advice and performed as required by his contract.
After the show, a Canadian mercenary gave Stitchie a New Testament Gideon Bible.
He read the Bible from ‘cover to cover’ and became a Christian. In 1999, he released his first Gospel record.
Lieutenant Stitchie lived a scandal-free life.
During his time on Earth, Cleveland Laing said he “walked according to how Christ walked, and he tried to pattern his lifestyle after Christ.”
“Think globally, act locally.”
It is crucial to be forward-thinking but not a forward person. “Be kind to everyone you meet because each carries his heavy burden…” Plato.
Embrace the three Constants: change, justice, and rightness.
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“Free speech, but not free reach.” — Social media titans.
Free speech is thy Lord.
