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Stitchie
Kingdom Ambassador

Reggae sensation Stitchie brings his second offering to the table, entitled Kingdom Amabassador, released on his own Drum & Bass Music label. The once-secular dancehall king has been a favourite on the Gospel reggae circuit for some years now, since his 1997 conversion.

CD Stitchie brings back his signature dancehall chatting on "Fast & Pray", the first single from the album. He takes the opportunity to lace a hard-hitting, string-driven riddim with an invitation to several dancehall artists to come to Christ. Calling out each artist by name, he reaffirms the importance of sharing the Gospel and sets the precedent for all listeners to share their testimony.

Kingdom Ambassador is more Gospel reggae than dancehall, as Stitchie moves a way from the style that initially shot him (then known as Lt. Stitchie) to the top of the mainstream charts. Much like his previous release, Real Power (see album review), Stitchie leans heavily on his ability to pour life into smoothly sung lyrics. His sound has matured and developed —a great complimenting attribute to the timeless message he boldly proclaims without compromise or apology in each and every cut of this 15-track release.

Kudos to his background singers, Sophia Liang, Abigail McDonald and Sharon Beaton, who provide melodious depth throughout the album.

Paying tribute to the roots of reggae, Stitchie crafts a ska-saturated, toe-tapping praise and worship cut, titled "Protective Custody", supported by playful horns and dancing bass arrangements; a wonderful addition that showcases the “Governor of Dancehall” in a different musical light.

Showing true versatility, Stitchie then adds "Mas Que Vencendores" (a Spanish version of "More than Conquerors"), a deliciously clever track with a laid-back vibe. Joining the ranks of innovative producers, he makes use of the Flanger sound effect, skillfully warping a Stitchiestandard swaying riddim to declare that he is more than a conqueror in Christ Jesus. Between verses, Stitchie hums an infectious melody that will remind some music lovers of Stevie Wonder’s hit, “Part Time Lover.”

"Fresh Vegetables" is a unique jazz cut with clever lyricism to bring home his point. The way Stitchie’s voice molds to each note makes him appear to be a professional jazz lounge singer.

This sort of musical creativity continues on tracks such as the tribute "Daddy" and "Forgive Me". Both show faint hints of Caribbean influences, but overall fit into an unrivaled adult contemporary genre with obvious R&B and soul tones.

The album is cleverly packaged and laid out visually to mimick a passport. The liner notes reveal a cleverly-displayed tract, while the CD boasts an abundance of “add-ons” such as pictures, lyrics, Bible verses and even a video testimony from the Jamaican-native himself.

Stitchie’s latest album not only adds the title of “Kingdom Ambassador” to his name, it also sets the pace for other artists in levels of creativity and boldness.


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Producers: Various
album release date: June, 2004
Drum & Bass Music / E.R.C. Records


— reviewed by Maria Capulong



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