- Stitchie Suffered Brain Haemorrhage a Few Days Ago.
- Stitchie is a Former PE School Teacher.
- Sitchie switched From Secular To Gospel Dancehall.
Lieutenant Stitchie, one of Jamaica’s most prolific gospel dancehall artistes has suffered a severe brain haemorrhage that has left him unresponsive.
His wife, Sophia Laing, recently launched a Gofundme page to raise US$100,000 that will enable the family to house the “Wear Yuh Size” artiste in a long-term care facility, where he can receive special rehabilitative care.
Stitchie, also known as The Governor, has been having health issues since at least 2023. He was assisted on to a stage last October and appeared to lose his bearings which raised questions about his health. Stitchie, who is a graduate of the GC Foster College of Physical Education and Sport, and a former PE teacher, has had an illustrious career in Dancehall music.
A Switch From Secular To Gospel
The Dancehall Governer has been a part of secular dancehall and later the gospel arena for more than 40 years, recording his first song in 1983. His big break came in 1987 when he recorded the album “Wear Yuh Size” for King Jammy with the big tune with the same title, topping local charts. King Jammys would later re-issue the same album under the title “Great Ambition” for the international market.
In 1993, after his stint at Atlantic ended, Stitchie recorded Bun It Down for producer Patrick Roberts of Shocking Vibes. The single topped the local music charts and was later followed by a string of number-one songs. In one calendar year, Stitchie even ended up with 14 number-one tunes.
Although Stitchie’s discography is extensive, his most memorable track is the hit “Wear Yuh Size,” about a fictional love interest who forced her feet into a tiny pair of shoes and greatly embarrassed herself in public. The hit was produced by the legendary King Jammys.
Stitchie, also went on to record three albums for Atlantic Records and later recorded for producer Patrick Roberts on the Shocking Vibes label. Stitchie would later give up secular dancehall for gospel.
In his secular years, he worked with many of Jamaica’s best producers, including Bobby Digital, Danny Browne, Donovan Germaine, riddim twins Sly and Robbie, and Steelie and Cleevie.
His first album in the gospel reggae style, To God Be the Glory, was released in 1999. He followed with further albums in a similar style.
Stitchie Has Two Honorary Doctorate Awards
In 2002, he won the ‘Outstanding Male Reggae Vocal Performance of the Year’ award at the Caribbean Gospel Music Marlin Awards.
In 2012, Stitchie was awarded an honorary doctorate from the Cornerstone Christian University in Orlando, Florida, in recognition of his contribution to Gospel Reggae.
Stitchie was bestowed with a second Honorary Doctorate in 2021, this time courtesy of the Dayspring Christian University, in Ontario Canada.
The degree, an Honorary Doctorate in International Humanitarian Law, came by way of the university’s Association for Biblical Accountability in Education & Friends For Life Outreach Department of Training and Education. It was presented to Stitchie for his involvement in outreach in correctional facilities in Canada and other areas, as well as in education.
He published his autobiography, The Power of Determination in 2014 and was subsequently inducted into the Gospel Hall Of Fame in January 2016, in Kingston.
Lieutenant Stitchie is among a number of Jamaican music stars who have been bestowed with national honours. Stitchie is a recipient of the Order of Distinction badge of honour from the Government of Jamaica. We pray for Lt Stitchie’s complete recovery.
