The Office of the Governor General of Canada has once again shown its support for Canadian hip-hop; this time by bestowing one of Canada’s highest honours on the legendary Maestro Fresh Wes.
On Feb, 22, 2024, the Governor General’s Performing Arts Awards Foundation announced that Maestro was a recipient of Canada’s highest honour in the performing arts.
Maestro is one of nine laureates of the 2024 Governor General’s Performing Arts Awards (GGPAA) for Lifetime Artistic Achievement. The award recognizes artists who have made an indelible contribution to cultural life in Canada and around the world.
This past Saturday, June 8, Maestro came to Ottawa to accept the honour at the 2024 GGPAA Gala which took place inside the National Arts Centre’s Southam Hall.
The Scarborough-native, who is also an accomplished author, actor, and motivational speaker, is often regarded as the “Godfather of Canadian Hip-Hop.”
“Wesley (Wes) ‘Maestro’ Williams is the first Canadian rapper to achieve mainstream success. His debut album, Symphony in Effect, was the first album by a Canadian hip-hop artist to reach Platinum status, and his landmark single ‘Let Your Backbone Slide’ was the first rap recording to go Gold and the first rap song inducted into the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame. Alongside his musical career, Mr. Williams is also a successful film and television actor, author, and motivational speaker.” – GGPAA
