Jamaican crooner Gyptian’s rhythmic anthem, “Hold You,” has hit a monumental milestone, achieving a prestigious Double-Platinum certification in the United Kingdom. This accolade, bestowed by the British Phonographic Industry (BPI), marks a significant triumph for the artist, solidifying his enduring impact on the international music scene.
The BRIT Certified Double-Platinum award, announced on Friday, April 19, 2024, is a testament to the song’s enduring popularity, with over 1.2 million units sold in the UK, as reported by The Official Charts Company. Originally released as the title track on Gyptian’s third studio album in 2010 under the VP Records label, “Hold You” has consistently captivated audiences with its infectious beats and soulful lyrics.
Produced by the competent Ricky Blaze, “Hold You” embarked on an impressive journey, making waves across multiple music charts worldwide. In the United States, the track spent 15 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at No. 77. Across the pond, it enjoyed a remarkable 19-week stint on the UK Singles Chart, soaring to No. 16. Additionally, its impact extended to Belgium, Canada, and France, where it achieved respectable chart positions of No. 31, No. 69, and No. 45, respectively.
The success of “Hold You” also propelled Gyptian to acclaim, earning him the coveted MOBO Award for Best Reggae Artist in 2010. Furthermore, the song’s official music video has garnered over 133 million views as at April 20th (on Friday, April 19th it was 132+ million) on YouTube and continues to see an uptick in streams, while its streaming numbers on Spotify exceed a remarkable 207 million plays. These staggering figures underscore Gyptian’s signature tune’s enduring popularity and cultural resonance.
Throughout his illustrious career, the 40-year-old singer, born Windel Beneto Edwards, has consistently delivered stellar offerings across four studio albums under the VP Records imprint. From his debut album “My Name Is Gyptian” in 2006 to his latest offering “Sex Love & Reggae” in 2013, Gyptian’s musical journey has been characterized by innovation and passion. Yet, it is “Hold You” that stands as his crowning achievement, remaining his most successful single to date and a timeless anthem cherished by fans worldwide.
