Singer Christopher Martin was on his way to St Ann on Friday morning when he learnt that a 2010 collaboration he did with German reggae artiste Gentleman had been certified gold.

“I feel great, it’s a great feeling. To hear about it shows that when you do solid and quality work it always pays off,” Martin disclosed in an interview with the Jamaica Observer on Friday.

The song, To the Top, which is featured on Gentleman’s Diversity album, which was recorded in Jamaica at the Big Yard studios, was a hit in three countries including Germany. It peaked at #13 on the German National Top 100 chart, #51 in Austria, and #23 in Switzerland.

The gold certification, which commemorates more than 200,000 units sold via physical sales and streaming, was issued by Bundesverband Musikindustrie (BVMI), the music conglomerate which certified songs and albums in Germany.

Martin explained how the collaboration with Gentleman came about.

“I always admired Gentleman and how he dealt with music, so when I got to meet him I expressed that, when the time is right, I’d like for us to record a song together. When he came to Jamaica around the time that he was working on his Diversity album at Big Yard, he linked me and I went to the studio. That’s how it all came about,” Martin expressed.

He described working with Gentleman.

“It was very easy; he loves music, he loves the art form, and he loves performing. He’s a very jovial person; all-round good vibes. Bless up, Gentleman,” said Martin.

He said the song was well-received when it was released 13 years ago.

“I’m happy that people love the song. They always loved that song because it’s very powerful and uplifting. To be a part of this milestone, I am very happy.”

He added, “This is big vibes, big deal business; I’m feeling like a gold medallist.”

The Diversity album also featured the collaborations Tempolution with veteran singer and producer Anthony Red Roze, Another Melody with Tanya Stephens, and Good Old Days with Sugar Minott.

Martin, who is best known for a string of hits, including Driver, Cheaters Prayer, Big Deal and Take My Love, has made a name for himself in contemporary music following his 2005 win in the Digicel Rising Stars competition.

Last week, a remix of his 2022 hit Guaranteed was released, featuring Bounty Killer and Busy Signal. It was produced by Robert Livingston.