Stitchie

Biography

Cleveland "Stitchie" Laing (born 29 September 1965 and raised in Spanish Town, Jamaica; died 28 September 2026) was a Jamaican reggae musician since 1983. Initially a high school teacher by profession, in 1987 he chose to pursue a full-time career in music. In 1988, as Lieutenant Stitchie, he made history by becoming the first dancehall reggae artist signed to a major label-Atlantic Records. He recorded three albums for Atlantic Records and one for Shanachie. This chart-topping, award-winning, world-renowned, dancehall reggae rapper/singer sustained momentum throughout his career with a dynamic stage show, heavy touring, and hit singles. Although he was a secular artist for well over a decade, his lyrics were always positive as he continued his search for spiritual truth in the world.

In 1995 Stitchie began thinking seriously about the eternal when he was devastated by the death of his mother. On August 7, 1997 on his way to perform at Reggae Sumfest, the world's largest reggae festival, a tragic auto accident nearly took his life. That life changing event made Stitchie think seriously about his mortality and where he would spend eternity. Although beaten up in the crash, he managed to perform that night. Backstage after the concert, Stitchie was handed a Bible by a missionary sent to Jamaica by Mark Mohr of Christafari. He later read the salvation plan in the back of the Bible and prayed the salvation prayer. Since then, Christ has dramatically transformed his life. Since his conversion, Stitchie has been discipled, attended Bible college, and begun writing and performing only new and decidedly Christian material. There is no limit to the future and possibilities of this talented artist's career. During Stitchie's last tour of Europe, over 200 people came to Christ through the ministry of his concerts. To God be the glory!

Biography text from Last.fm, available under CC BY-SA.