The Veteran Dancehall artiste Lieutenant Stitchie whose given name is Cleve Aman Laing is one of the four Jamaican artistes who will be bestowed with national honours on National Heroes Day in October. Stitchie will join the ranks of Shabba Ranks, Yellowman, U-Roy, Shaggy and Sean Paul, as Dancehall artistes who have received the Order of Distinction badge of honour from the Government of Jamaica.
Stitchie and others will receive the Order of Distinction for his “contribution to Reggae and Dancehall Music, Locally and Internationally”, according to the National Awards proclamation which was released for public viewing recently.
On Saturday, Stitchie expressed his gratitude when he told his fans of his upcoming award.
The Dancehall Governor who graduated from the GC Foster College of Physical Education and Sport before he began teaching PE, is now grateful to his heavenly father firstly, and then to Jamaica’s Prime Minister and all the powerful people, as they all decided to Award him the high National Award which is “The Order of Distinction” in The Rank of Officer (OD).
He thanked his supporters and his detractors as well, and he is now the REV. DR. CLEVE A. “LT. STITCHIE” LAING (OD).”
His debut album titled “Wear Yuh Size” was released in 1987 for King Jammys.
He had an illustrious career in Music and was signed at Atlantic Records before they produced three albums for him. When he left them, the Tivoli High School graduate also did music with Patrick Roberts from “Shocking Vibes”.
He became a Christian after he was hurt in a car crash while he was on his way to perform at an event in 1997.
However, he managed to give one of his best performances even though he wore a bandage, he was named the best performer of the night.
Stitchie became the first Jamaican artiste to become a brand ambassador and worked with a number of Jamaican producers to put out many songs before he was inducted into the “Gospel Hall of Fame” in 2016.
