DANCEHALL artiste Konshens is slated to return to the island next week after cancelling the remainder of his European gig due to illness.

Konshens — whose given name is Garfield Spence — called it quits in Germany last Monday, after he was diagnosed with chronic laryngitis and a temporary loss of hearing in his left ear. He was half-way into his 18-date string of performances.

“This is an unfortunate situation especially for the fans, but we must take into consideration the safety of the artiste and the importance of his voice. We must do what is necessary to regain his vocals and take the necessary steps to prevent this from recurring,” said Miguel Noble, the artiste’s manager, yesterday.

The artiste — whose tour started on July 4 — had outstanding dates in France, Holland, and Switzerland. The jaunt was expected to end on Saturday.

Konshens’s publicist, Ronnie Tomlinson, said the artiste was disappointed he let his fans down and is determined to make it up to them.

“He has been on the road non-stop, travelling to different countries. He may have over-exerted himself,” she said.

According to the publicist, the artiste was diagnosed in Vienna, Austria, and was immediately placed on medication and advised to take two weeks of rest. After the cancellation of one show, the artiste resumed working.

While performing in Zurich, Germany, he lost his voice and could hear nothing in his left ear. He was advised if he continued, then the damage to his voice and hearing could be permanent.

Prior to the European gig, he had a 16-city tour of the US and a three-week tour of Mauritius Islands, Reunion Island and Mayotte.

Konshens is known for songs including Winner, Do Sum’n, Gal A Bubble, and I’m Coming. In September last year, he launched his line of shoes ‘Konz 876’.

— Brian Bonitto