Tributes are pouring in for veteran deejay and gospel artiste Cleveland Laing, better known as Lieutenant Stitchie.

Stitchie died at the hospital in Kingston on Monday, one day shy of his 61st birthday.

He has been ailing for some time.

Stitchie suffered a debilitating stroke in September 2024 and since then has been receiving care at a private medical facility.

Stitchie was born in Spanish Town, St Catherine on September 29, 1965.

Before rising to fame, Laing was a former athlete and high school teacher.

He took his name from the classroom to the competitive sound system stage in the early 1980s.

Laing released his first single under the name Ranking Citrus, or Citchie for short.

Shortly after changing his moniker to Lieutenant Stitchie, Laing got his mainstream breakthrough with the hit single, Wear Yuh Size in 1986.

His following single “Natty Dread” topped the Jamaican charts for 14 weeks.

With lyrical prowess and a masterclass in wordplay, Lieutenant Stitchie expanded his career by becoming the first Dancehall artiste to sign a deal with Atlantic Records in 1988.

But, his dancehall trajectory shifted to a more spiritual route when he became a born-again Christian following a car crash in August 1997.

Shortening his stage name to Stitchie, the veteran deejay took his verbal dexterity to the gospel reggae scene.

Since then, Stitchie has released several gospel recordings, beginning with his first gospel album, To God Be The Glory, in 1999.

He’s known for gospel songs such as Gospel Reggae, Real Life Story and Fast and Pray.

Among his many accolades and works, Stitchie received an honorary doctorate in 2012, published his autobiography in 2014, released 22 studio albums and was awarded the Order of Distinction in the rank of Officer in 2021.

In September 2024, Stitchie suffered a major stroke.

Stitchie’s death on Monday follows reports that he’s been receiving treatment at hospital after his blood count fell.

His passing marks the end of an outstanding, multi-genre musical career, spanning more than four decades.

In his tribute, Prime Minister, Dr. Andrew Holness hailed Lieutenant Stitchie as one of Jamaica’s greatest deejays of the dancehall genre.

He says he could very well have been described as one of Jamaica’s best storytellers and humourists.

The Prime Minister says Stitchie’s discography forms part of the soundtrack of the 1980s and 1990s and his legacy will continue to inspire generations.

Opposition Leader, Mark Golding, also paid tribute, calling Stitchie a beloved son of Jamaica whose talent and music touched lives at home and across the world.

Tributes have also poured in on social media from the reggae, dancehall and gospel fraternities.