Fans of dancehall music know Konshens as the voice behind many of the biggest bashment anthems of all-time. Hits like “Gal a Bubble” and “Bruk Off Yuh Back” are absolute essentials of the genre, capable of sending dancers into a frenzy the moment they play in a party. But there’s more to Konshens than one sound. Collaborations with Nipsey Hussle, The Chainsmokers, Cardi B, Major Lazer, Rick Ross, Nicky Jam, Doja Cat, Enrique Iglesias, E-40, Eve, Jamie XX, Farruko, Pitbull and Clean Bandit prove he’s an artist whose talents can’t be boxed in.
Like most dancehall acts, Konshens’ story originates in Kingston, Jamaica. Born Garfield Spence, as a teen he formed the group Sons of Jah (also known as SoJah) with his older brother, Delus, and began releasing music in 2005. The duo’s very first single, “Medz Pon Di Corner,” which dealt with the tensions simmering in their community at the time, became a hit in Japan, leading to a tour of that country and the release of a Japan-only album, also entitled Sons of Jah. In 2008, Konshens branched out on his own with “Winner,” a blend of dancehall and hip-hop which took a hopeful approach to the financial anxieties many felt during the global recession. He continued to build his rep as a thoughtful new voice on the Jamaican music scene with lyrically-rich tracks like “Rasta Imposter” and “The Realest Song.”
FMM: You performed at the Carnivore grounds in Nairobi on New Year’s Eve. How much fun was this concert?
It was crazy fun. As soon as I landed in Nairobi, I could feel an intense energy. I made my way to the venue, and the crowd was huge. I wanted to make it big and memorable for the audience, so I dressed the part and put in my everything. For about three hours, I held it down on stage, and people were going wild.
FMM: What do you love the most about your Kenyan fans?
What I love is the way they treat me. The support they give is so unique and sincere. They make me feel like royalty, like a rockstar and like family all at the same time.
FMM: What was it like performing with Jamaican Artist Charly Black?
It was great to have my brother Charly Black, a fellow Jamaican, join me on stage at the Carnivore grounds at my concert in Nairobi ringing in the New Year. The camaraderie felt good and was a great surprise for the audience.
FMM: Who are your musical influences?
It may sound cliche, but I find musical influence everywhere and from everyone, there is inspiration at every corner. Specifically, heavy on reggae and dancehall, of course, world music as well and other genres too.
FMM: Tell us about your inspiration for your new album, Red Reign. Is it your work to date?
Yes, this is my latest big project and represents my current body of work. The album’s name is a nod to my rise to fame on the dancehall scene. It’s a little edgier, and it came from an emotional space, but in the end, it’s all about the dominance of my craft and, ultimately, the power behind the music.
The world has changed, and the events of the last year have affected us all. The experience was challenging but helped me evolve my creative process and my perspective. I am excited to start a new era of my career through an edgier sound and a renewed understanding of my music’s impact on my audience. When the world faced a crisis, we all had to figure out how to cope with it. Fortunately, I had the outlet of creativity to channel those emotions, and that process made me realize that my music is an outlet for people to escape the trauma. Music is the therapy that some people are craving. I have a deeper responsibility to my craft and my audience to deliver something that is impactful and gives them the escape they need after this unprecedented year.
FMM: How has your collaborations with Afrobeat Artists evolved?
I’m very particular when it comes to collaborations. When it clicks for me, I am all in. I’m open to working with others but don’t want to force it, and it has to happen naturally. Then it can become more structured, like in the case of Davido. It turned out to be the perfect artist feature for my song “Boom Bang.”
FMM: What is paramount to you when writing music?
It’s just a vibe. I don’t have a system. It could take a week or only a few minutes. Sometimes I take things from real life. Other times the storyline is made up. However, it is,I let it develop.
FMM: What does it take to “Win” in this business? Can you share your proudest moment?
Hard work and dedication are everything in this business. There are no guarantees, and popularity can fade. A winner has to put themselves out there, to take risks, that is who I am, and I’m proud of that. Recently, I was part of a particular project that had a bittersweet ending. I was awarded a platinum plaque for my role in Nipsey Hussle’s track “Succa Proof” from Victory Lap. Despite the circumstances, I made sure to honor him and commemorate the occasion.
FMM: What’s next for you in 2022?
I’ve got some tricks up my sleeve. New visuals, more music, touring, and hopefully some festivals too.
Link to album: https://ffm.to/redreign
IG: @konshens
TW: @konshens
YT: www.youtube.com/c/KONSHENSTV
Website: www.konshensmusic.com
