What was expected to be a joyful countdown to a landmark gospel music celebration has turned into a touching tribute, as members of the Gospel Reggae Team Initiative (GRTI), popularly known as The Kristofarians, announced that the 10th Rydeem of Light International Gospel Reggae Festival will be dedicated to the memory of legendary Jamaican Gospel Reggae icon, Lieutenant Stitchie.
The announcement came on September 29, 2026, following news of the passing of the Jamaican music pioneer, born Cleveland “Cleve” Laing, who died on Monday, September 28, at the age of 63. Ironically, September 29 would have marked his 64th birthday, making the news an emotional moment for gospel reggae lovers around the world.
According to reports from Jamaica, the veteran artiste had battled health challenges for more than two years after suffering a stroke in September 2024. Family members revealed that he had received treatment and was recovering before his condition suddenly worsened.
For members of The Kristofarians, however, Lt. Stitchie was far more than a celebrated musician. He was a friend, mentor and one of the strongest international supporters of the Rydeem of Light vision. His relationship with the Abuja-based movement spanned years, during which he encouraged the growth of gospel reggae in Nigeria and even produced a promotional jingle for the festival.
Festival Director, Odoh Diego Okenyodo, described Stitchie’s passing as a monumental loss to the global gospel reggae family, recalling how the Jamaican icon challenged gospel reggae artistes to maintain excellence and ensure that music carrying the message of Christ also met the highest artistic standards.
In another remarkable connection, Stitchie served as a mentor to Kristofarian founder, Mama Lucee, supervising her Jamaican gospel reggae album project titled New Heights. He also collaborated with her on the song Love Jah, a work many now describe as a lasting testimony of his faith and passion for gospel music.
In a surprise move that has inspired many supporters, The Kristofarians announced that the forthcoming 10th Rydeem of Light International Gospel Reggae Festival, scheduled for Saturday, November 21, 2026, at the Cinema Hall, Cyprian Ekwensi Centre for Arts and Culture, Area 10, Abuja, will become a grand celebration of Stitchie’s life and legacy.
The festival, themed “Behold His Glory,” will feature one stage and ten hours of nonstop praise, worship and reggae performances. Forty-five ministers from Abuja, Lagos, Kano, Kaduna, Gombe, Minna, Lafia and Jos are expected to participate in what organisers describe as the biggest edition yet.
Since its launch in Abuja in 2021, the Rydeem of Light movement has taken gospel reggae beyond church walls into communities through music, outreach and creative expression, reaching audiences in Nigeria and several countries including the United Kingdom, Germany, Jamaica, Kenya, Ghana and Malawi.
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As preparations continue for the historic festival, one message remains clear among gospel reggae lovers: though Lt. Stitchie’s voice may have gone silent, his music, vision and encouragement will continue to inspire generations.
Indeed, a legend has departed, but his light continues to shine.
