Dr Stitchie works on autobiography

Sadeke Brooks Staff Reporter

NOW CONFERRED with an honorary doctorate in sacred music from the Cornerstone Christian University in Florida, gospel artiste Stitchie is also gearing up to release his autobiography.

The artiste, real name Cleve Laing, said he was conferred with the doctorate in June.

“I feel honoured. It is the Lord’s doing and it is marvellous in his eyes. It’s history enuh. It makes me the first dancehall artiste to ever receive this honour and the first gospel artiste in the Caribbean,” he told The Sunday Gleaner, noting that the previous recipient was Peter Daley, the owner of Caribbean Sunshine Bakery in Orlando, Florida.

Stitchie, who is also a pastor at Mount Carmel New Life Church of God in Spanish Town, explained that persons are nominated based on academics and their years of work in their particular field. With the new development, he said many new doors will open.

“It open up a whole different platform where I am now able to speak on a greater level and different doors have opened up with this conferment,” said Stitchie who is a trained teacher having graduated from GC Foster College.

But this is not the only thing on his agenda, as he is currently working on his autobiography, The Power of Determination.

 “I believe that the experiences that I have had should not only be shared in music and I want to use the widest possible base to get the message of determination out there,” said Stitchie.

 “I think I have been blessed. I want to reach out to the youths when they are challenged with a lot of negative influences out there. I am trying my best with the talent that I have been given to effect positive change. As a teacher, imparting knowledge is still my priority.”

Meanwhile, Stitchie says he has been spreading the gospel on secular platforms especially at major shows in Europe, Canada and the United States. One of the biggest shows, he says, is ReggaeJam in Germany.

“We not just keeping it in the four walls of the church,” he said.

From one of these concerts, Stitchie has also recorded a live album and DVD that will be called Stitchie Live In Germany. He also has new songs such as Scared A Mi and Tun Up that will be released soon along with their videos.

In addition, Stitchie says he is also doing work on albums for gospel artistes Algebra and Kirk Davis.