Lieutenant Stitchie dies at 60, leaving behind a legacy that spans Jamaican dancehall, reggae and gospel music. The pioneering deejay, born Cleveland Laing, passed away on September 28, 2026, one day before his 61st birthday.
Born Cleveland “Cleve” Laing, Stitchie died in hospital on Monday, September 28, at the age of 60 — just one day before he would have celebrated his 61st birthday. The Jamaica Observer confirmed his passing Monday.
His death follows an extended period of serious health challenges. Stitchie suffered a debilitating stroke in September 2024 and had required ongoing care since then.
Just one day before his passing, 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 family, friends and members of their church community had been asked to donate.
Lieutenant Stitchie Dies, Leaving a Dancehall Legacy
Before becoming one of dancehall’s recognizable voices, Stitchie was an athlete and schoolteacher. He developed his craft on the highly competitive sound-system circuit in Spanish Town during the early 1980s, alongside emerging performers including Papa San, Wickerman and Major Worries.
His mainstream breakthrough came in 1986 with “Wear Yuh Size,” followed by recordings including “Natty Dread.” His distinctive rapid-fire delivery and humorous storytelling helped establish his place during a formative period in dancehall.
By 1988, Stitchie’s career had reached the international recording industry when he signed with Atlantic Records, for which he released three albums, including Wild Jamaican Romances.
A New Chapter in Gospel
Stitchie’s career took a profound turn in 1997 when he became a born-again Christian.
Rather than leaving music behind, he redirected his talent toward gospel and inspirational music, beginning another chapter that introduced Lieutenant Stitchie to a different audience while maintaining the unmistakable delivery that had made him a dancehall standout.
Over a career spanning more than four decades, Stitchie’s journey encompassed dancehall, reggae, gospel, education and ministry. His evolution from Spanish Town’s sound-system culture to an internationally recognized recording artist and later a gospel minister gave his career an unusual breadth.
Remembering “The Governor”
For generations of Jamaican music listeners, Lieutenant Stitchie’s legacy extends beyond individual recordings. His career forms part of the broader story of Jamaican music and dancehall culture documented by Madd A Road Media.
He belonged to a generation that helped establish dancehall as an internationally recognized Jamaican art form, while his later commitment to Christianity demonstrated his willingness to transform both his music and his public life.
Madd A Road Media and MadVibez Radio extend sincere condolences to Sophia Laing, the Laing family, his friends, colleagues, church community and fans throughout Jamaica and around the world.
Rest in peace, Governor. Your contribution to Jamaican music and culture will not be forgotten.
