Gentleman says he feels Jamaica’s pain

German reggae artiste says that he empathises with Jamaicans as the entertainment industry remains in lockdown due to COVID-19.

Stating that he does not know any other island "where talent and creative energy is overflowing," and that Jamaica is "the definition of music," he is aware that the energy now may not reflect what he is used to.

"Worldwide, the entertainment industry is suffering. We are the curtain that closes first and opens last. It is sad, because [it] is not just we, the artistes, affected. The sound man, the light man, the promoter and the musicians - so many people depend on that sector," he told THE STAR.

The Intoxication singer said that in Germany and Spain, where he now resides, recording artistes have also been affected. Gentleman has seen his own tour being rescheduled for the third year.

"I'm not complaining because others have suffered much more, but I see what is happening with a lot of artistes who don't have a chance to promote their music live, and that's an important part of what we do, even though social media and streaming has become forefront. I really miss the live shows," he said.

In 2020, Gentleman released Blaue Stunde (Blue Hour), which was announced as his first work to be written and presented in German. However, without live shows, he said it was difficult to promote.

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"Every three years I try to put out an album. In-between that I press 'pause' on voicing music, [I] only perform and tour. I'm not used to the idea of doing so many releases in a week or month. In the past, it was like 20 new releases a week; now we hear all 200 new tracks in a week competing for streaming," Gentleman explained. He said that all entertainers are waiting on the politicians to acknowledge their importance.

"It helps for us to get some strength in our daily struggles, and we don't know when or if it will go back to normal; it's a maiming type of situation for us," he said. "I guess we have to live with it, but I hope the politicians realise that and know it's not just about lockdowns and curfews. Vaccination is an issue, too. But it shouldn't feel like two policeman a hol' yuh and force yuh to do it. I believe it's important to agree to disagree, rather than war 'bout it." He admitted that he reluctantly got vaccinated because of the strict German laws.

"Without it [the vaccine], is like you not part of life anymore. You can't travel, can't go to any restaurants, not even a cafe to grab a coffee or the supermarkets," he said.

Gentleman urged entertainers to take care of their mental health and maintain their level of inspiration in this time.

"I feel like it's very important now to do songs that can give people hope and strength. It is very important to stay sane and positive - that's the message right now," Gentleman said.