The JUNO Awards will induct Hip-Hop pioneer Maestro Fresh Wes into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame during a special presentation in Halifax on March 24th, 2024.

Wes Williams, known as Maestro Fresh Wes, made history as the first Black Canadian artist to achieve gold and platinum status in the country. His contributions to Canadian music have solidified his position as the “Godfather of Canadian Hip-Hop.”

Among his many achievements are 14 JUNO nominations, JUNO Award wins for Best Rap Recording of the Year and Best Video, and his induction into the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame. Maestro Fresh Wes continues to shape the genre and inspire the next generation of artists and will hit the stage in Halifax to commemorate this honour.

“When I began my journey into rap there were only a few of us finding success in the genre and it was a struggle to find a place for our music,” says

Maestro Fresh Wes. “After a decades long career, it’s a full circle moment for me to be honoured with this award that recognizes my life’s work. I’m grateful to have helped pave the way for younger Canadian artists and I can’t wait to celebrate in Halifax.”

Legendary singer, songwriter and pop superstar, Nelly Furtado will host the awards for the second time since her 2007 debut in Saskatoon.

The Canadian Music Hall of Fame was established by CARAS in 1978 to acknowledge artists who have made an outstanding contribution to Canadian music, both nationally and globally. Maestro will join the ranks of Canadian music icons spanning many genres including Deborah Cox, Alanis Morissette, Barenaked Ladies, Jann Arden, Joni Mitchell, k.d. lang, Leonard Cohen, Nickelback, Neil Young, and Oscar Peterson, among others.