Saint John can officially add another major national music win to its growing cultural résumé. Canadian hip‑hop pioneer and local creative force Maestro Fresh Wes has taken home a 2026 Juno Award – his first Juno award since 1991!
The win caps off a remarkable chapter in Maestro’s career, blending his legacy as the “Godfather of Canadian Hip Hop” with his more recent evolution as a storyteller, educator, and community collaborator rooted in Saint John. This Juno win confirms national recognition for his work in children’s music — a genre he has helped redefine over the past five years. Maestro has described the honour as a celebration not just of his music, but of imagination, history, and family‑centred storytelling.
Five Albums, Five Years, One Clear Vision
The 2026 Juno win also highlights the scale of Maestro’s recent output. Back to the Time Machine marks his fifth children’s album in five years, blending hip‑hop culture with education and storytelling.
The album draws inspiration from real historical events — including the discovery of King Tut’s tomb — and frames them in a way that invites kids to see learning as adventure rather than obligation.
The Juno‑winning project is part of Maestro’s Rhyme Travellers series. Released in 2025, the album follows a father‑and‑son duo on educational adventures through history, using hip‑hop as both a teaching tool and a bridge between generations.
It’s a concept Maestro says grew out of his desire to create music that works on multiple levels. “Kids get the animated adventure, but parents hear the history and deeper messages,” noting that he intentionally makes the beats strong enough that adults won’t mind turning up the volume on school drop‑offs.
Made in Saint John, With Saint John at the Centre
Much of Back to the Time Machine was created right here in Saint John, using local studios and featuring young local voices. Portions of the album were recorded at Trillium House downtown, with Saint John producers and engineers playing key roles in shaping the sound.
That local involvement continues to be central to Maestro’s work. He has consistently involved community youth in his projects, giving young people hands‑on experience in music creation while reinforcing themes of creativity, curiosity, and confidence. Maestro has called the album the “masterpiece” of the Rhyme Travellers series — both musically and personally.
A Win for Saint John’s Creative Community
For Saint John, Maestro’s Juno Award represents more than an individual achievement. It’s another sign that the city continues to attract, support, and inspire nationally recognized creative talent. Maestro himself has frequently credited the city’s pace, collaborative spirit, and strong sense of community for helping fuel this productive chapter of his career.
Creativity doesn’t come with an age limit — and neither does imagination. With this latest Juno win, Maestro Fresh Wes’ newest chapter in Canadian music history is firmly locked in.
