Veteran Deejay Lt Stitchie hospitalized after stroke, family seeks help

Lieutenant Stitchie, one of Jamaica’s beloved veteran Deejays credited for making meaningful contributions to dancehall and gospel music, respectively, has been reportedly hospitalized in Kingston after a stroke on Tuesday.

His former manager, Dave Rodney, has confirmed that the family of the entertainer acknowledged his hospitalization, although the full extent of his illness remains unclear. “There’s been talk he suffered a stroke, but that’s up to the doctors to determine. There’s been no official statement,” said Rodney.

Earlier, speculation on social media reported that Stitchie, whose real name is Cleve Laing, had a severe brain hemorrhage, and his family has set up a GoFundMe page to offset the cost of medical care and rehabilitation.

Rodney who was Stitchie’s manager between 1988 and 1995, told the media that he spoke with the 58-year-old, several weeks ago. “We talked ’bout music, and he expressed his ambition to work on a new album,” he said. Rodney shared that Stitchie had some “medical issues this year” while on stage in Canada.

Lt Stitchie had first gained popularity in the 1980s on the ultra-competitive sound system circuit in his hometown of Spanish Town, sharing bills with the likes of Papa San and Major Worries. By 1986, he was making his popular debut with the humorous hit Wear Yuh Size, coupled with Natty Dread.

In 1988, he was signed by Atlantic Records and recorded several albums under the record label, one being Wild Jamaican Romances.

In 1997, Stitchie underwent a spiritual change of heart and became a born-again Christian. Therefore, his foray into the gospel was well expected. More inspirational albums and songs were released as he received accolades within both secular and Christian music circles.

The GoFundMe page, established by the family to raise money for his care, puts in bold letters the severity of his condition and how he needs support for long-term rehabilitation. It said, “We urgently need you to join us to provide the help needed in a long-term care facility where he can get rehabilitation care.”

The GoFundMe is the fundraiser page at which his family would like him to receive donations, in addition to prayers and support from fans and well-wishers during this trying period of the artiste.

Every little effort toward helping with Stitchie’s medical and living expenses counts, as these small acts is what promises to be a relief for the hard road toward recovery.