By Teino Evans, Staff Reporter
Stitchie backstage with Beenie man
WE ALREADY heard of his performance at the Red Stripe Reggae Sumfest 2004 in Montego Bay, St. James, recently, when Cleve 'Stitchie' Laing challenged thousands of spectators to revisit the way they live, dress and behave.
Stitchie, who took the stage at minutes to one in the morning, delivered a firm and uncompromising message to the vast Sumfest audience, a message which came just in the eye of the storm, as the likes of Kip Rich, Bling Dawg and others had already built a strong dancehall vibe among the patrons.
However, when Stitchie had completed his set on stage, it wasn't only patrons who were gravitating towards his quarters backstage, but also the elite artistes of dancehall.
POWERFUL MAN
Among some of the artistes to seek out a blessing from the 'powerful man' of God backstage were Lady Saw, Beenie Man, Bling Dawg, Predator, Wayne Marshall, Cecile, Red Rat and others, as they congratulated him on his performance while grabbing some words of encouragement.
"They were so touched by my ministry that they came and asked for prayers (both artistes and patrons) and I'm grateful to God for giving me the opportunity to be on Reggae Sumfest, and I'm also thankful to the directors for giving me the platform to bring the word of God," an elated Stitchie told The Gleaner.
This being his second Reggae Sumfest as a reggae gospel artiste, Stitchie could hardly find the words to describe his feelings. "It was with a sense of purpose that I performed at Reggae Sumfest, it was my responsibility to bring back the word of God to them undiluted," he said adding he wanted to make right the negative messages he used to spread while on top of his game as a secular artiste.
GROWING SUPPORT
Stitchie, has been getting much support from secular artistes, not only in terms of video shoots, but also in his ministry overall. for this he is eternally grateful to the Almighty who has made everything possible.
VERY GRATEFUL
"I am very grateful and this has drawn me closer to them (dancehall artistes) than when I was a secular artiste, as I was always seen as one of their competitors, but now it is a matter of compassion," he said.
In addition, Stitchie said the fact that the people at Sumfest responded the way they did, simply means that they were hungry for the word, and he believes that other gospel artistes should be on Sumfest and similar shows.
In a recent video shoot of Stitchie's 'Fast and pray', scores of dancehall's elite turned out in full support of the Reggae gospel messenger.
Livity Restaurant on Hope Road was the location for the video shooting as he sent a clear message to his many DJ colleagues that though he is walking the 'straight and narrow way' they are in his prayers.
From the many persons in attendance it was lucid that much respect was given to the governor. Elders in the music businesses such as Wolfman and Captain Barky, to the Gold Teeth Don Gorgon, Ninja Man, Buju Banton and Grammy nominated Bounty Killer, were all in attendance for the video shoot and participated enthusiastically to the delight of director, Billy Yap. The ladies were also well represented as Lady G and Macka Diamond gave their support as well.
Beenie Man and his Shocking Vibes Crew, also played a significant role in the project as is seen by not only their energetic input but also Beenie's $14M Hummer.
Stitchie seemed to have taught a new lesson of love and unity in the music industry as one could not have guessed that this was a gospel video shoot and not a secular event.
As Stitchie rightly put it, "it was not about what we did, but what Christ did through us, and to God be all the glory."
