Gentleman Diversity

“Diversity“ is the title of Gentleman’s latest and fifth studio album. This title, alluding to the ‘diversity of the species’, hints at the fact that Germany’s most well-known reggae musician has breached the boundaries of the genre with his choice of songs and stylistic range and has yet created a marvellous work that is deeply rooted in reggae. This feature can already be detected in the first single release, “It No Pretty“, where reggae is rather felt than actually heard. A mid-tempo hymn in minor key, with sweeping piano chords, gentle string arrangement and a blissful choir, has a melody that is a true temptress for any charts. Gentleman’s inimitable voice ensnares one’s emotions and yet cuts deep because he does some straight talking here. Seldom before have we seen this artist voice his criticism of society so outspokenly. More than ever before, the artist who moves incessantly between Cologne and Kingston calls for tolerance, solidarity and mutual respect. He is an unrelenting idealist – and here he is, burning again, passionate, ready to galvanise, enthral and carry away his audience. Be the world cruel and threatening as it may, we must not forget to celebrate life. And here is the soundtrack to go with it.