2 months ago
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Sophia Laing, the wife of veteran deejay, Cleveland 'Lt Stitchie' Laing, is putting to rest stories online — in particular, a video posted to YouTube late last night — that the entertainer has passed.
“I heard about the video,” Sophia told The Gleaner. “He is not dead. Earlier this morning I spoke to a nurse at the hospital .... he is alive. ”
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The YouTube video, titled 'Lieutenant Stitchie is dead at 58’ has been making the rounds on WhatsApp and fans have been expressing their condolences.
Sophia Laing says that she wants to distance herself from the negativity.
“Yuh know, people will do and say all sorts of things. I really don’t want to dwell on those negative things,” she stated.
It was revealed two weeks ago that the beloved gospel artiste who first found fame in the dancehall is currently hospitalised in critical condition following a severe brain haemorrhage. A GoFundMe campaign was established by Sophia to appeal for assistance with medical expenses.
Sophia explained in the GoFundMe notes that this recent event has left Stitchie "unresponsive", and his family is now appealing for support to provide him with the specialised long-term care that he requires.
A press release gave a few more details.
“Stitchie has been experiencing health challenges for the past few years, facing ongoing medical issues that have impacted his health. Despite these challenges, he has remained resilient and continued to inspire through his music and ministry. However, his recent medical crisis has significantly worsened his condition, and after receiving all possible treatment in the hospital, he must now be moved to a long-term care facility.”
The press release pointed out that his "wife, children and family are standing strong by his side", but they need the help of the community, fans, and well-wishers to help cover the significant costs associated with his care.
"We are incredibly grateful for the love and support we have already received, but we are in need of your continued prayers and financial assistance to ensure Cleve gets the best care possible," said Sophia Laing.
The GoFundMe, up to press time, had raised US$16, 975 of the targetted US$100,000.
Lt Stitchie was born on September 29, 1965, and has enjoyed a storied career in both the secular and gospel arenas. From teaching biology to students at a school in Spanish Town, Stitchie would go on to get his feet soaked in the dancehall and made a lasting impression with the 1986 hit single, Wear Yuh Size. His style of mixing music and humour secured for him a loyal fan base and he found favour with the then Prince Jammy. His first album, Great Ambition, was released one year later.
His bio on Wikipedia states that Stitchie’s single, Natty Dread, topped the Jamaican charts for 14 weeks and this commercial success led to a record deal with Atlantic Records in 1988. Stitchie is acknowledged as one of the first dancehall artistes to sign a deal with a major record label. Among the albums he released during this period were The Governor, Wild Jamaican Romances, and Rude Boy.
In 1997, Stitchie stepped over into gospel reggae after surviving a car crash. He released his first gospel reggae album, To God Be the Glory in 1999 and has been actively releasing music ever since. He is also an author, having released his autobiography, The Power of Determination, 10 years ago.
In 2021, the Government inducted Lt Stitchie into the Order of Distinction for his contribution to Jamaican music.
English (US) ·