Dancehall icon Bounty Killer is mourning the death of his close friend Lieutenant Stitchie, paying tribute to the veteran deejay with a heartfelt Instagram post declaring that “legends never dies they transcend from a Govana to a Govana”. Sharing a youthful photograph of the late entertainer, whom he affectionately called his “big bro”, Bounty Killer expressed his grief while honouring a musical figure whose influence transcended dancehall and gospel, leaving an enduring mark on Jamaican music.
In his emotional tribute, Bounty Killer wrote: “It’s with a heavy and saddening heart I’m writing this post folks walk safe big bro Dancehall icon Bounty Killer is mourning the death of his close friend Lieutenant Stitchie, paying tribute to the veteran deejay with a heartfelt Instagram post declaring that “legends never dies they transcend from a Govana to a Govana”. Sharing a youthful photograph of the late entertainer, whom he affectionately called his “big bro”, Bounty Killer expressed his grief while honouring a musical figure whose influence transcended dancehall and gospel, leaving an enduring mark on Jamaican music.
In his emotional tribute, Bounty Killer wrote: “It’s with a heavy and saddening heart I’m writing this post folks walk safe big bro see you on the other side bcuz legends never dies they transcend from a Govana to a Govana.” The message captured the depth of their friendship and reflected on the legacy of an artiste whose impact extended across generations and musical communities.
Lieutenant Stitchie, whose given name was Cleveland “Cleve” Laing, died at Kingston Public Hospital on Monday morning, one day before his 61st birthday. His passing came less than 24 hours after his wife, Sophia Laing, confirmed that he had been hospitalised with a low blood count and was receiving treatment.
see you on the other side bcuz legends never dies they transcend from a Govana to a Govana.” The message captured the depth of their friendship and reflected on the legacy of an artiste whose impact extended across generations and musical communities.
Lieutenant Stitchie, whose given name was Cleveland “Cleve” Laing, died at Kingston Public Hospital on Monday morning, one day before his 61st birthday. His passing came less than 24 hours after his wife, Sophia Laing, confirmed that he had been hospitalised with a low blood count and was receiving treatment.
Born out of Jamaica’s competitive sound-system culture, Stitchie rose to prominence in the 1980s with hits such as Wear Yu Size and Natty Dread. He secured a recording deal with Atlantic Records in 1988 before making a life-changing transition to gospel music in 1997. His ability to connect with audiences across both secular dancehall and gospel established him as a distinctive figure in Jamaican music. In 2021, he was awarded the Order of Distinction in the rank of Officer for his contribution to music.
Meanwhile, tributes have continued to emerge from artistes, cultural commentators and public officials, reflecting the breadth of Stitchie’s influence. His legacy as a performer, minister and cultural figure is expected to endure, with Bounty Killer’s heartfelt words serving as a reminder that, even in death, the impact of a musical legend lives on.
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