Dancehall star Konshens has fired back at critics questioning his connection with East Africa, insisting that the region’s fans give him the most love, even if they do not pay him the most. The deejay, whose real name is Garfield Spence, has defended his longstanding relationship with East African artistes and audiences ahead of his scheduled headline appearance at Vibe Republic in Uganda on Friday, December 11, 2026.
Taking to X, formerly Twitter, Konshens argued that his appreciation for East Africa extends far beyond concert appearances and is evident in his years of public support for the region. He pointed to collaborations with Ugandan artiste Apass, Kenyan rapper Toxic Lyrikali and Kenyan group Ethic Entertainment, including remixes that he said remain officially unreleased. Among the projects he highlighted were his collaboration with Apass on “Gamululu” and his contribution to the “Backbencher” remix featuring Toxic Lyrikali, alongside the “Figa” remix associated with Ethic Entertainment.
Lets talk about it, as usual i see a few haters talking and questioning the motives behind my MUTUAL love with East Africa.
I Big Up east Africa Year Round not just when im coming there! You have seen me with your eyes Countless times bigging up East Africa on MAJOR stages and BIG platforms worldwide for YEARS!! and by the way, tell me which artiste has the most love and shows the most love to East African artistes over the years🤔👀. Try to list all my features and remixes with artistes from the region, from my favorite Gamululu feat Apass to hopping on Backbencher remix just bcuz i think Toxic is 🔥🔥, remember how u felt hearing Gmoney play Figa remix (Ethic 🔥🔥) for the 1st time?? And those remixes arent even officially released!! in ofher words dont play with me, i been reppin!! East Africa dont pay me the most, they LOVE me the Most and i was never ever shy about Loving them right back💪🏾❤️. U guys slept on this song btw, this shoulda been a hit 🙂
— KONSHENS (@konshens) October 22, 2026
“Let’s talk about it, as usual I see a few haters talking and questioning the motives behind my MUTUAL love with East Africa,” Konshens wrote, arguing that he has consistently represented the region on major stages and international platforms. He also challenged critics to identify another Jamaican artiste who, in his view, has demonstrated a comparable level of support for East African performers over the years. Emphasising the distinction between financial reward and genuine appreciation, he added: “East Africa don’t pay me the most, they LOVE me the Most and I was never ever shy about Loving them right back.”
Konshens also shared a snippet of his collaboration with Apass, suggesting that the song could have become a hit if it had received greater attention from fans. His comments have brought renewed focus to the relationship between Jamaican dancehall and East Africa, where local artistes and audiences have helped expand the genre’s international reach. However, his claims about the extent of his support and the region’s affection for him remain his own assessment.
The comments come as Konshens prepares to headline Vibe Republic at Lugogo Cricket Oval Stadium in Uganda on December 11. The upcoming concert has reportedly attracted mixed reactions on social media, with discussions linked to his previous tours. As the event approaches, Konshens is making it clear that he sees his East African connection as a relationship built on mutual appreciation, collaboration and years of cultural exchange, rather than money alone.
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