NSB Logo Maestro Fresh Wes Williams Maestro Fresh Wes Williams

Maestro Fresh Wes Williams

Speaker

St. John, New Brunswick, Canada

Canadian Hip-Hop Pioneer on Stick to your Vision, Co-Star on Mr.D

“Maestro” Fresh Wes Williams is one of Canada’s most successful and influential Hip-Hop artists, and premier multi-media personalities. His signature song “Let Your Backbone Slide” was the first Canadian Hip Hop single to ever go gold. Wes stars as a high school teacher on CBCs hit show, “Mr. D.” Wes is also the author of the critically-acclaimed book series, “Stick to Your Vision”.

Keynote Speeches

Virtual Keynotes & Webinars
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Stick to Your Vision

As someone who has experienced the highs and lows that come with being a performer, Wes “Maestro” Williams has had to overcome many challenges in his life. These are also the same challenges that we all face on the way to where we want to be, and Wes’s practical and empowering strategies will help you get there. Sometimes these obstacles come from within, whether it’s a fear of failure or low self-esteem. Sometimes they come from your circumstances; perhaps there are people around you who are keeping you down or “in your place,” even if they don’t mean to. In Stick to Your Vision, Wes shows you how to define your vision, how to achieve it, and what to do once you’re there. He offers useful tips and advice, as well as inspirational stories and quotes, and exercises that will keep you moving towards your own vision.

Stick to Your Vision - custom for Youth, Teachers, Schools

Wes emphasizes the importance of family structure, mentorship, hip hop and the positive impact of inspirational elementary teachers. 

Wes shares the story of a young boy and his memories of going to school in Toronto. Follow a young Maestro Fresh Wes as he finds new adventures in school and is introduced to the world of hip hop. Nervous but ready to compete, Wes draws inspiration from his family, his teachers, his friend and mentor DJ Greg and all that he has learned from hip hop. 

Audience reviews:

  • We are full of gratitude for the time that you spent with us this week, we were all inspired by your talk! The feedback has been phenomenal, and I can’t tell you how many people shared the impact of your advice (expectation, operation, destination!) and applied it to the work that we are doing at Lilly. Of course, the performance blew us away, you had everyone up and moving and the energy was electric – thank you so very much for bringing such a great vibe to our meeting! - External Affairs Lead, Eli Lilly Canada
  • After hearing Wes present, the passion that he exuded while he spoke, really set my mind to continue to support my student's learning and help guide them in promoting positive behaviours and goals that will continue long into their adult lives. Wes' ability to captivate the audience was effortless and he spoke with such confidence that anyone would feel motivated to continue through any challenges that may be bestowed upon them. I truly feel that Wes has found yet another niche in life and with no question he should continue, on his path of success.

    - Teacher, Clark Boulevard, P.S. Brampton
  • Let us not forget how our everyday actions, attitudes, and words impact students....Wes Williams helped us turn that magic switch back on! Inspiring, and most importantly highly engaging. The students were focused, attentive and very appreciative of his words of inspiration. Wes allowed our young people an opportunity to believe in themselves, their abilities and set goals for success in the future. His brilliant artistic ability enhanced the presentation and allowed for some amazing moments of entertainment while delivering a powerful message of inspiration to the students. One of our best assemblies to date.....students want him back!!!

    - Principal, Iona Catholic Secondary School
  • Wes Williams was a motivational and inspirational speaker that engaged the students throughout his presentation at Iona Secondary school in Mississauga. He is a role model to all the young people who want to pursue their own dreams. Wes message had a positive influence this generation needs for success. By having Wes Wills speak in our high school, helped our students “Stick to their Vision”.

    - Teacher, Iona Catholic Secondary School

Speaker Biography

Wes “Maestro” Williams is a Juno Award-winning Hip Hop artist, Tedx Presenter and a  Gemini Award-nominated actor.  In 2019 he became the first Hip Hop artist inducted into the Canadian Song Writer’s Hall Of Fame and his albums have reached gold and platinum status.

Released under the pseudonym of Maestro Fresh Wes, his debut album Symphony In Effect was the first Canadian Rap album to reach gold and platinum certification. His signature song ‘Let Your Backbone Slide’ was the first Canadian Hip Hop single to ever go gold.

As an actor, Wes has been in several film and television productions including 8 seasons on CBC’s award winning sitcom Mr.D where he played the role of teacher/ vice-principal Paul Dwyer.

His first book, STICK TO YOUR VISION: How to Get Past the Hurdles and Haters to Get Where You Want to Be, was the recipient of the 2011 White Pine Literary Award and was also implemented in the curriculum of the Adult Learning Program at Nova Scotia Community College and became mandatory reading for grade 10 students.  Endorsed by the former Governor General of Canada, Michaëlle Jean, as a “plan for action”, the book shows individuals how to define their vision, how to achieve it, and what to do once they are there. Stick To Your Vision was shortlisted for the Forest of Reading – White Pine Award. The White Pine Award is an annual literature award sponsored by the Ontario Library Association (OLA). He’s since released a 2nd book Stick to your Vision:  Young Maestro Goes to School, accompanied by his song: “Backpack Check”. 

He has been a guest speaker for the Governor-General of Canada’s Urban Arts Forum and has also participated in round table discussions on Parliament Hill regarding the subject of race relations.

Wes has always been community-oriented and has made a serious impact on the country in many different capacities. He’s supported several charitable organizations such as War Child, Save The Children, Covenant House, Special Olympics, Battered Women’s Support Services (BWSS), and The African AIDS Society.

His 2015 single I Can’t Breathe speaks of how both external and internal forces are stifling the Black community. The song was inspired by the Eric Garner story in the US. Wes has also won two Juno Awards, four MuchMusic Video Awards (including People’s Choice) and has 12 Juno nominations.

He is the first Canadian rap artist to go gold (album & single), recorded the first Canadian Hip Hop single to go gold, has a platinum selling album (Symphony in Effect), and was the first hip hop artist to perform at the Juno Awards (1991). Wes’ inspirations include athletes, his community, other artists such as actors and musician and anyone who has a vision and the drive to make it manifest.

Wes hopes to be the inspiration for many by expressing himself through his music, acting and speaking. With his book and speaking on Stick to Your Vision, Wes hopes to empower his community because his community has empowered him in many different ways.