Maestro Fresh Wes has been named the first hip-hop artist to receive the Governor General's Performing Arts Award.
The Canadian rap pioneer and actor (real name Wes Williams) becomes the first hip-hop artist to receive its Lifetime Artistic Achievement.
Wes is one of 2024's five laureates for the award, an honour that recognizes Canadians who have made a lasting contribution to cultural life in Canada and internationally. Others receiving the award include opera singer Measha Brueggergosman-Lee, puppeteer Ronnie Burkett, singer-songwriter Diane Juster, and actress/comedienne Andrea Martin.
In a video posted by the GGPAA, Wes showed his appreciation for being recognized, saying, "Peace and blessings, it's the Maestro Fresh Wes and I'm excited and thrilled to be getting this award, the Governor General Lifetime Achievement Award. I must have done something right! I just want to say I appreciate being appreciated. Thank you."
On Instagram, he also announced that the first recipient of the Maestro Fresh Wes Scholarship for Black Youth involved in trades will be announced in March.
The 2024 GGPAA Gala takes place on June 8, at the National Arts Centre’s Southam Hall in Ottawa.