Gentleman

Tilmann Otto (born 19 April 1974) was born in Osnabrück, West Germany. Professionally known as Gentleman, he is a prominent German reggae musician who primarily performs in English and Jamaican Patois.

Over a career spanning three decades, he has become a significant figure in the global reggae scene, noted for his adherence to the classic forms of the genre while integrating diverse international influences.

Career

Gentleman’s career began with a collaboration with the band Freundeskreis on the song "Tabula Rasa". After starting as a deejay, he transitioned into a recording artist whose style was heavily influenced by the roots reggae of Bob Marley. His 2004 album, Confidence, achieved significant commercial success, reaching number one on the German album charts. In the same year, he contributed to the Toots and the Maytals album True Love, which won the Grammy Award for Best Reggae Album. In 2005, he participated in the Bundesvision Song Contest, representing North Rhine-Westphalia with the song "Lass los" alongside Mamadee. Following a ten-year tenure with the Four Music label, he signed with Universal in 2010. His body of work includes high-profile collaborations with international artists such as Sean Paul, Pink, and Shaggy.

Personal Life

Based in the Neubrück area of Cologne, Otto is the son of a Lutheran pastor. He is married to Tamika, a backing singer for the Far East Band who has accompanied his live performances since 2002. The couple has two children, Samuel and Tamica. Otto is noted for his family-oriented approach to his profession; his album Journey to Jah was directly inspired by the birth of his son, and his spiritual connection to his mother served as the basis for the song "Mama" on the collaborative album Conversations with Ky-Mani Marley. His religious beliefs are frequently expressed in his songwriting, notably in tracks such as "Send a Prayer".

Current Projects

At the time of writing, currently managed by his professional representatives, Gentleman is preparing for the release of his latest studio album, Gratitude, scheduled for August 2026. The album, which was produced in Mallorca, Jamaica, and Miami, features guest appearances by Capleton, Queen Omega, Collie Buddz, Melekú, Nico Santos, and Michael Patrick Kelly. This release marks a return to his core musical roots following a professional hiatus focused on mindfulness and family. To support the new material, a 14-city concert tour across Germany and Switzerland is scheduled for the autumn of 2026.