Maestro Fresh Wes honoured on Canada Post stamp
Canada Post has unveiled three new Black History Month stamps celebrating Canadian hip-hop pioneers, including the godfather of Canadian hip-hop, Maestro Fresh Wes (Honorary Diploma ’17). The photo of Wes featured on the stamp was taken by his father in 1989.
Wes Williams “Maestro Fresh Wes” is a Canadian rapper, producer, actor, author and motivational speaker. Referred to as the godfather of Canadian hip-hop, Wes is the first Black Canadian artist to have a recording reach platinum status in Canada. He will also be the first hip-hop artist inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame.
Video by Canada Post.
Strong ties to NSCC
Wes’s connection to NSCC goes back over a decade, from speaking with students to share his inspirational "Stick to Your Vision" message on campus to receiving an Honorary Diploma in 2017.
As an NSCC Honorary Diploma recipient, Wes has always felt a connection and passion for the College’s work and its impact on the lives of students, their families and communities. In 2024, Wes partnered with NSCC Foundation to establish the Maestro Fresh Wes Scholarship, an annual award dedicated to African Nova Scotian and Black students in Trades and Transportation programs at NSCC Akerley Campus.
Wes says this scholarship is his way of paying it forward and celebrating his induction into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame. His vision is to provide hope and access to youth and individuals looking to pursue skilled trades as an in-demand career in Nova Scotia.
"For over three decades, I've helped to build the Black music industry of Canada. Now, I am planning to inspire Black builders of Canada. I salute Nova Scotia Community College and Akerley Campus for assisting me to continue to affect positive change," says Maestro Fresh Wes.
Donations to the Maestro Fresh Wes Scholarship can be made through NSCC Foundation at nscc.ca/mfw.
