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Otto's love for reggae developed into a huge passion following a trip to Jamaica at the age of 17, where he saw first hand the environment in which his heroes, Dennis Brown, Peter Tosh and Bob Marley had developed their music. In 1997, he got his first break in music, after hip hop group Freundeskrels asked Otto to contribute vocals to their track, "Tabula Rasa."
Following this, Otto went on to forge his own solo career, releasing his debut album, Trodin On" in 1999. Combining dancehall and hip hop, Otto helped start the 'Germaican' movement, through his reggae music that brought Jamaican patois to the European country. It was in 2002 however that Gentleman was to have his breakthrough album. "Journey to Jah" was a more roots-based record, featuring guest appearances from established reggae artists including Morgan Heritage, Capleton and Luciano, earning respect from reggae fans worldwide.
Gentleman embarked upon a global tour following the release, whilst recording a live CD/DVD titled "Gentleman & The Far East Band" in 2003. His next album was released in 2004, featuring the single from the album of the same name, "Superior" which became an international reggae hit, reaching audiences in the US as well as Europe. The album again featured reggae stalwarts, including, Anthony B., Cocoa Tea and Barrington Levy. His fourth album, "Another Intensity," followed, released in 2007.
Gentleman moved labels in 2010, from the small German-based label, Four Music, moving to major label Universal. This move was to prove to be a good decision by Otto, as his next record, 2010's "Diversity," reached number one in the German charts. In 2012, Gentleman teamed up with Jamaican R&B singer for "Live Your Life," which was received with critical acclaim. His next release was to be his sixth solo album, "New Day Dawn," in 2013.
The “Gentleman” Romps the Reggae
Live from the Bauhaus in Germany, Gentleman – known to his intimate family and friends as Tilmann Otto - pleased a attentive crowd of his adoring fans with his telltale reggae selections. The light aura and quaint environment of the Bauhaus was a perfect venue for Gentleman to jam the audience with the customary support from his wife Tamika, and the rest of the members of the background vocalists and musicians - the Far East Band.
The tunes drifted from an occasional upbeat air with an absoluteness emanating the clear and distinct influence from Gentleman’s early years spent traveling back and forth from Jamaica since he was a young man of 18 years old.
Many of the delightful songs also gave a glimpse into the spiritual upbringing of this son of a Lutheran minister.Gentleman’s interest and involvement with the audience is a credit to his original roots as a deejay, and the melodic flow of his reggae music showed the profound influence that the likes of reggae legends such as Bob Marley had on Gentleman’s development.
Reggae plays to the crowd, and Gentleman made himself a part of the crowd.During the Bauhaus concert Gentleman used a prevalent German set of lyrics during the opening handful of songs, then perfectly mixed in a set of English lyrics at different points in the show. The crowd was consistently standing and giving each moment of the concert their undivided attention. Everyone who experienced the Bauhaus concert by Gentleman surely left with a glide in their step and a bounce in their mood.
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