Wes Williams
News
Wes ‘Maestro’ Williams to be inducted into the Stylus Awards Hall of Fame on May 30, 2011
The multifaceted artist is currently working on his upcoming album ‘ORCHESTR8ED NO1ZE’
For Immediate Release – May 2011 –Multi-talented author, actor, musician and public speaker Wes ‘Maestro’ Williams has been selected for induction into the Stylus Awards 2011 Hall of Fame (www.stylusgroup.ca) on May 30th, 2011. This latest honour comes after a busy year of accolades for the Godfather of Hip-Hop, which include receiving an Award of Merit from the Black Business Professional Association, and gracing the cover of Sway Magazine for their Black History Edition in February.
Wes was recently selected to be the MC/host and performer at the Microsoft Canada Partner Celebration on Tuesday, July 12th, 2011, during the Microsoft Worldwide Partner Conference (WPC). This unique one day event hosts an estimated 800 Microsoft Canada partners and employees. Wes will be hosting and performing at “The Mayan” nightclub in Los Angeles, California.
Wes is a stand-out as one of Canada's premier multi-media personalities, and has been topping recording charts, and appearing in hit film and television productions for decades. On the horizon for Wes is not only his anticipated upcoming album, set for release in 2011, but also the paperback edition release of his acclaimed book ‘Stick to Your Vision’.
ARTIST/MUSICIAN
As one of Canada's most successful and influential Hip-Hop artists, Wes Williams continues to create groundbreaking music, and is currently recording new music for his upcoming album, ORCHESTR8ED NO1ZE, set for release in 2011. Wes is also working on two new singles: “Praise Da Lord” featuring SHAD K. (this years’ Juno Award winner for Best Rap Recording of the Year) and "Get Up", featuring ADAM BOMB of the Toronto Hip Hop collective Freedom Writers. The singles are set for release in June 2011.
Wes was also selected to be the guest speaker for the Governor General of Canada's Summit on Urban Arts when Her Excellency visited Vancouver, BC. The acclaimed artist has received two Juno Awards honouring the best in Canadian music, and his albums have reached Gold and Platinum status. Wes’ signature song "Let Your Backbone Slide" remains the only Canadian Hip-Hop single to ever go Gold.
AUTHOR
The multi-talented actor and musician has taken on a new role, as an author. Wes has recently penned his first and critically acclaimed motivational book STICK TO YOUR VISION (McClelland Stewart), now being released in paperback.
In one of Her Excellency's closing speeches, the former Governor General of Canada, Michaelle Jean, fully endorsed Wes's book calling it "a plan for action". STICK TO YOUR VISION and it's three universal principles, EXPECTATION, OPERATION and DESTINATION, have been recommended to be added to the high-school Teacher's Guide in Toronto and has been proposed to be included in the curriculum for Canadian high schools by principals and teachers.
MOTIVATOR AND PUBLIC SPEAKER
The three principles of Wes’ book are the building blocks of Wes’ lectures and are adapted to corporate audiences, students, teachers and community groups. Wes is one of the most dynamic speakers in the country and his message is uplifting, inspiring and most importantly, empowering.
As someone who has experienced the highs and lows that come with being a performer, Wes 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 individuals how to define their vision, how to achieve it, and what to do once they are 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. Wes is taking on speaking engagements in school and corporate conferences across North America.
ACTOR
A Gemini Award nominated actor, Wes is one of Canada’s top performers, and has proven his talents time and again. Excelling in music as well as the film and television industries, he is a major force to be reckoned with. His acting credits include roles alongside Academy Award winner Jamie Foxx in ‘Redemption: The Stan Tookie Williams Story’, ‘Poor Boy's Game’, ‘Instant Star’, ‘Four Brothers’, ‘Soul Food’, ‘Honey’ and ‘Paid In Full’. ‘Poor Boy's Game’ premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival, with Wes displaying his multitude of talents, playing a supporting role and featuring two of his songs on the film score.
Wes received a Gemini nomination for his role as Andre Gilbert, a powerful and unpredictable drug lord in the HBO drama series ‘The Line’ alongside an all-star cast including Sharon Lawrence, Cle Bennett, Linda Hamilton and Ed Asner, ‘The Line’ revolves around the multifaceted lives of people on both sides of the law and brings viewers into an unpredictable world where the lives of cops, criminals and the innocent collide. Andre is all at once ruthless, cutthroat, and generous and nurturing which is a testament to Wes’ portrayal of this complex king pin on the wrong side of the law.
ACCLAIMATIONS
"Maestro poured the foundation that many have built their homes on. The second act in his career shows he has a lot to offer and is worth listening to." CBC Talk Show Host - George Stroumboulopoulos
“Wes Williams is one of the finest actors in the country. Every day on ‘The Line’ he brought something new to add to his character and it was also great to watch his preparation". Award-winning Canadian film director Gail Harvey
Wes Williams has always been community oriented and has made a substantial impact on his country in many different capacities. He continues to support 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.
For more information, interviews and photos please contact:
Lesley Diana – Lesley@thepromotionpeople.ca 604-726-5575
Jasmyn Pozzo – jasmyn@thepromotionpeople.ca 705-255-6887
http://www.mcclelland.com/catalog/display.pperl?isbn=978077108882