The music fraternity has united in an outpouring of support for veteran deejay Lieutenant Stitchie, who suffered a brain haemorrhage in September. On December 5, singer Richie Stephens added to the growing efforts by presenting a cheque for US$5,000 to Stitchie’s family to assist with his medical expenses. The funds were raised during a benefit concert Stephens organized in Chicago on November 29, in partnership with the Good To Go Family. This gesture follows a significant contribution in October, when members of the Jamaica Gospel Music Industry handed over $600,000 during the “Hearts and Hands Benefit Concert for Stitchie,” further demonstrating the industry’s commitment to one of its own.
The presentation by Stephens, which took place at his St. Andrew home, was made to Stitchie’s wife, Sophia Laing. Stephens, who celebrated his 58th birthday on the same day, reflected on their long-standing friendship, saying, “Stitchie was one of dem artistes who gave me a lot of encouragement; is a good bredrin. I know him as a good person and, now that he is in this position, I think it’s only right for people like myself to step up and do what I can to help him.”
These acts of generosity follow another major contribution from Bounty Killer’s Bounty Foundation, which donated US$10,000 in October to support Stitchie’s recovery. The gospel and dancehall icon has shown improvement since his hospitalization, but his wife noted that he still requires extensive medical care. The overwhelming support from his peers reflects Stitchie’s enduring influence on Jamaica’s music scene, spanning decades from his early days on Spanish Town’s sound system circuit to his transformation into a gospel artiste in the late 1990s.
Stitchie, whose real name is Cleve Laing, is celebrated for hits such as Wear Yuh Size and Big Broad Hips, as well as his impactful gospel albums. His legacy continues to inspire, and the outpouring of support from artistes like Stephens, Bounty Killer, and the gospel community highlights the deep bonds within Jamaica’s music fraternity. This collective effort serves as a poignant reminder of the power of community in times of crisis.
