Konshens - His Contribution to Dance Hall Reggae Music

Garfield Spence better known by his stage name, Konshens hails from the land of reggae and dancehall. The Jamaican musical icon has been on the scene since the mid-2000's where he and his brother formed a group called “Sojah”, immediately stealing the show with their hit single, “Pon Di Corner.”

This song was a call to “bring back the ole days” which referred to the times where community violence was not as prominent but peace, love and good vibes reigned within the neighbourhood. This rhythmic dancehall reggae tune became a global hit as it not only topped the reggae music charts in Jamaica but also in Japan. The fame of this single led to the release and tour of the Japan-only album, “Sons of Jah”. 

In 2008, Konshens ventured off as a solo artist, releasing a masterpiece by the name, “Winner.” This was yet another musically creative response to an economic crisis. It sang a message of hard work and a hustle mindset in the midst of a global recession. What also helped contribute to the success of this hit was its unique mash up of dancehall with a heavy hip hop influence. More exciting, this was just the beginning of a prolific musical journey for Konshens as he would later move on to produce other hit fusions with artists like Cardi B, Davido and Rick Ross. 

Apart from this, Konshens was also quickly becoming the face of bashment dancehall music not only in Jamaica but the wider diaspora and amongst lovers of such music. He exclusively won the hearts of the ladies with his “gyal tunes” and has been the voice behind many of the most rated dancehall reggae party bangers. We’re talking bashment anthems like “Gal a Bubble”, “Bruk Off Yuh Back” and even most recently, “Dancehall Wine”.  

Though Konshens’ primarily looked to Beres Hammond for musical inspiration, he quickly developed a strongly distinct vocal style. One that cannot be easily emulated or confined in a box. Konshens has managed to turn richly cultural music into a global phenomenon for persons of all nationalities to enjoy. From lyrically rich tracks like “Rasta Imposter” to socially conscious hits and explicit dance numbers, the Jamaican bred icon’s musical style can be best and most simply described as “mood music”. Whatever his current inspiration, it musically manifests with a strong reggae and dancehall influence. This has contributed to the wide array of musical styles and fusions the artist has established in his entertainment career and its realness and relatability resonates with many. 

Greater success sits on the horizon for the dancehall and reggae superstar Konshens as he continues to elevate the music of Jamaica within an ever growing, global music space.