‘Cleve is gone’ Stitchie’s widow trying to cope with his passing

Sophia Laing, the wife of dancehall and gospel legend, Cleve ‘Stitchie’ Laing, is trying to come to terms with the reality of the passing of her husband one day before his 64th birthday.

“It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Cleve Aman Laing, popularly known as Lieutenant Stitchie, who passed away this morning [Monday] at approximately 12 a.m,” a brief, official release from the family stated.

“I am still trying to process it … Cleve is gone. I was just watching the news and saw it and it hit me,” an emotional Sophia told THE STAR, unable to hold back her tears.

“His name is ‘Cleve’ … not Cleveland, and he is 63. He turns 64 on Tuesday … his birthday … not 61,” she added, in response to errors carried by some news outlets.

Stitchie, who suffered a debilitating stroke caused by a severe brain hemorrhage on August 11, 2024, was being cared for at a specialised long-term, rehabilitative facility. He was admitted to the Kingston Public Hospital last Thursday where he was being treated for low blood count.

Sophia said that as soon as she was officially informed by the hospital on Monday, news of Stitchie’s passing started circulating, and to add to her pain is a TikTok page, Lieutenant Stitchie Back-up, which continues to be a thorn in her side.

“We have nothing to do with it. There is a link that even sends persons to a GoFundMe page that has nothing to do with the family. In this time, in particular, I want people to be aware and not get scammed,” she said, adding that despite numerous reports to TikTok and cybercrime investigators, the page is still up.

A household name, Stitchie’s death came as a shock, and Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness led tributes to the entertainer, who was a dominant force in the dancehall prior to getting saved and embracing reggae-gospel.

Holness hailed Stitchie as “one of Jamaica’s greatest DJs of the dancehall genre”, highlighting also that the entertainer was “one of Jamaica’s best storytellers and humourists”.

“I recall fondly attending a concert at my high school at which he performed. In the latter part of his career, he would also make his mark in gospel music. My sincere condolences to his family and loved ones.”

Entertainment Minister Olivia Grange Grange expressed her deep regret at the passing of Stitchie “whose secular and gospel music caught the imagination of fans at home and abroad”. abroad”. Grange traced his journey working on sound systems in Spanish Town and making history in 1987, as the first Jamaican dancehall artiste to be signed to a major US record label, Atlantic Records.

“Lieutenant Stitchie was a respected Jamaican recording artiste, songwriter, and performer whose music and ministry touched the lives of many people both in Jamaica and internationally,” she stated.

Leader of the Opposition Mark Golding, in a tribute posted on social media, stated that “Lt Stitchie [was] a beloved son of Jamaica whose talent and music touched lives at home and across the world”.

“His contribution to Jamaican music and culture will forever be remembered, and his legacy will continue to inspire generations.”

Sophia thanked all those who have been sending condolences and said that “more information will follow”.

Stitchie was conferred with an honorary doctorate in 2012 and was awarded the Order of Distinction in the Rank of Officer in 2021 for his impact on reggae music.