Rapper ‘Maestro Fresh Wes’ joins Museum of Dufferin panel

Written By MARNI WALSH

Canadian Hiphop artist Wes Williams, aka “Maestro Fresh Wes,” will take part in a Black History Month panel discussion at the Museum of Dufferin on Feb. 23. 

According to legendary artists such as Toronto's Drake, Wes Williams is “considered to be the godfather of Canadian Hiphop.”

With the recent County proclaimation of February as Black History Month, the Museum of Dufferin (MoD) is joining in the celebration of Black achievement. Warden, Darren White says he was “honoured to make the declaration of Black History Month” which was unanimously supported by County Council earlier in January.   

According to his press, Wes Williams' 1989 classic rap single, ‘Let Your Backbone Slide' was the first to reach gold status in Canada, and his debut album, ‘Symphony In Effect', was the first to receive gold and platinum status in Canada. 

As “the first Canadian MC to reach Billboard top singles charts, and the first to ever receive Much Music Awards for best Rap Video and People's Choice,” Maestro Fresh Wes has inspired generations of musical artists who followed him.

Wes Williams is also an actor and star member of CBC's hit comedy ‘Mr. D.' He has appeared in many U.S. films, including co-starring in ‘Redemption' with Jamie Foxx. Additionally, he is a motivational speaker for corporations and the author of “Stick to Your Vision.” He will join the panel at MoD to speak about music in Canada.

MoD kicked off Black History Month with the historic Pan African flag raising ceremony on February, in partnership with Alethia O'Hara-Stephenson and members of the Centre Dufferin District High School Youth Advisory committee and Gathering, Evolving, Transforming (G.E.T.) Outreachworks. 

MoD Promotions Coordinator, Nanci Malek says, “The Museum of Dufferin is proud to be involved with helping our community learn about those that have contributed in the past and present and to those who are the future of this community.

The MoD panel discussion, art exhibit and music presentation on Feb. 23 will feature Maestro Fresh Wes on the panel along with community professionals “as they share their journey and what Black History Month means to them,” says Nanci Malek. 

Community panelists include: Alethia O'Hara-Stephenson, MBA, CIP, Director of CDDHS Youth Advisory; Steve Anderson, Shelburne Deputy Mayor and County Councilor; Geer Harvey, MSW, Social Worker and Counsellor at UGDSB; Phil Dewar, owner B Social and Soulyve Catering & Events; and Linda Amour Grant, CFP and Financial Planner. Entertainment will be by steel drum percussionist D'Jango Pan Fyah.

“The Museum of Dufferin is the keeper of community stories,” says Nanci Malek. “We feel it's important to show the diversity in our community and how everyone contributes to a strong past, present and future.” 

The events celebrating Black History Month at the MoD are free and all are welcome. Refreshments will be served at the panel discussion Feb. 23, starting at 2 p.m.