Before he was a minister or a gospel star, Cleveland Laing was working sound systems in Spanish Town and making dancehall crowds laugh with “Wear Yu Size.” That is where Culture Minister Olivia Grange began on Monday when she paid tribute to the man the world knew as Lieutenant Stitchie.
Stitchie died in hospital after a long illness. He was 60.
In a statement, Grange described him as a respected Jamaican recording artiste, songwriter and performer whose music and ministry touched people at home and internationally. She said she deeply regretted his passing and that both his secular and gospel work caught the imagination of fans.
We will recall that Stitchie worked on sound systems in Spanish Town, where he came from, before announcing himself as an upcoming star with his humorous hit song ‘Wear Yu Size’,” Grange said. His story started in the dance, long before the pulpit.
The career that followed opened a door for the genre. In 1987, he made history as the first Jamaican dancehall artiste to be signed to a major United States record label, Atlantic Records, and at that time released his debut album, The Governor,” Grange said.
Then came the turn few could have predicted. After a near-fatal accident, Stitchie switched from dancehall to gospel, and according to Grange he blossomed into one of Jamaica’s most exciting and enduring gospel artistes.
“He released his first Christian album, Real Power, in 2000, and became a respected minister and motivational speaker,” she said. “His commitment to education and social outreach was widely recognised.”
Grange didn’t let the gospel years overshadow the deejay, though. “His rapid-fire delivery and vivid storytelling made him one of the most respected and influential deejays of his era,” she added.
That balance is what made his path unusual. Church audiences embraced the minister, and Grange noted that appreciation for his secular songs never waned among dancehall fans.
Official recognition followed him across both chapters. He received an honorary doctorate in 2012, and in 2021 the Government awarded him the Order of Distinction in the Rank of Officer for his impact on reggae music.
The final stretch was harder. Stitchie suffered a stroke in September 2024, and Grange said she had been in regular contact with his widow, Sophia Laing, ever since, with her Ministry providing support during his recovery.
“His passing is so sad and unexpected,” Grange said. Sophia Laing, she added, told her she was convinced that her husband’s contribution to Jamaican music and his commitment to sharing messages of faith and inspiration will be remembered by many.
Grange extended condolences to Sophia, the children, his relatives, friends and associates, fans and the wider music fraternity.
“We give thanks for Cleve’s life, his music, and his ministry,” she said. “He has left us a rich legacy that will continue to inspire generations to come.”
Details on how Jamaica will say goodbye are still to come. Grange said her Ministry will update the public on plans for the celebration of his life.
