Gentleman

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.