Renowned Jamaican singer Reverend Dr Cleve Aman Laing, more popularly known as Lt Stitchie, is adding the finishing touches to his 25th studio album.

He broke the news to the Jamaica Observer following his part in a tribute to King Jammy at Festival Night II of Reggae Sumfest at Catherine Hall Entertainment Centre in Montego Bay, St James.

“I think I’m gonna include, like say, maybe around 17 tracks on it. It’s special because it is my 25th album, and it’s very special because I did my first recording in 1983, and now it’s 40 years,” he said, noting that the unnamed project should he released later this year.

Lt Stitchie, along with Chaka Demus, Admiral Bailey, Pinchers, Chuck Turner, and Leroy Gibbons combined vocals to hail King Jammy, who has been an instrumental player in Jamaican musical culture over the years.

Meanwhile, the singer said that the love from his supporters has been the driving force behind his success.

“Thanks for the support that they’ve been giving me over the years. The challenges have been many, but they stood with me walked me through it and build mi confidence and give me hope and support. Over the years, there have been many artistes who came and went and I’m still here, and they still listen to me, and they still support me. I’m grateful to the King — the Lord Jesus Christ — who has given me this platform and helped me to find favour in the eyes of men,” he said.

International Night was not as well attended as Dancehall Night, but there were myriad musical treats from greats like Morgan Heritage, as well as Tanya Stephens, D’Yani, Jada Kingdom, and Freddie McGregor. The latter had a tear-jerking set — his first performance in Jamaica since suffering a stroke last year. The 67-year-old sat for its duration, but his voice was strong and smooth as ever.

His sons Chino and Di Genius provided backing vocals.

“Give thanks to the Almighty… God is good, God is great,” McGregor began before the tears set in.

“When I got sick last year, Mr Bogdanovich asked me if I could do Sumfest and I said I would try… It’s through the spirit of Christ I’m here tonight. I thank you all for your prayers. I love you!”

Minister Marion Hall, formerly known as Lady Saw, brought the heat to her gospel set as she closed in the wee hours of Sunday morning. She distributed almost 1,000 Bibles to eager supporters who made their way closer to the stage to get their copy.

“I’m giving you these Bibles and I want you to read them, study these words, feast on them,” the former Queen of Dancehall declared.