Stitchie

Stitchie, born Cleveland Laing on September 29, 1965, in Spanish Town, Jamaica, is a gospel reggae artist and ordained minister. He originally worked as a schoolteacher before establishing a career as a secular dancehall artist. His life took a dramatic turn in 1997 when he survived a serious car accident, an experience that led to his spiritual conversion to Christianity. Following his conversion, Laing adopted the shorter stage name Stitchie for his gospel reggae projects. He released his first gospel reggae album, *To God Be the Glory*, in 1999, followed by *Real Power* in 2000 and *Kingdom Ambassador* in 2004. His catalog includes songs such as "Gospel Reggae" and "More Than Conquerors." Stitchie’s contributions to gospel music have been recognized with several honors. He won the "Outstanding Male Reggae Vocal Performance of the Year" at the Caribbean Gospel Music Marlin Awards in 2002. In 2012, he received an honorary doctorate from Cornerstone Christian University for his contributions to gospel reggae. He was inducted into the Jamaican Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 2016. Stitchie also published his autobiography, *The Power of Determination*, in 2014.