Local artist  mentors Students

When Jair Dynast was in high school Black History Month meant someone would come in and speak for a few minutes and then walk out the door.

Today, the recording artist is using his music and experiences to connect with young people and make them think.  Jair Dynast has partnered with the TDSB to visit different schools across the city to perform songs that touch on the topics of peer pressure, violence and history.

“I’m younger and I can relate,” says Dynast. “I come from the same neighbourhood they come from, I’m dealing with the same sort of experiences or have dealt with the same experiences.” Dynast grew up in the city’s west end before moving to Scarborough for his senior year in high school. “It’s almost like looking at a mirror image of someone who was them and now here I am doing this.” One of the songs he performsis Art of Invention which talks about various African American inventors that many don’t know about. Dynast leaves behind pamphlets so students can find more information and get kids involved on a different level.

“The response is great especially with The Art of Invention … they really become engaged in the discussion; they ask me a lot of questions,” he said. “To be honest they’re very articulate and intelligent. Even though they’re young, they’re very aware of what’s going on and they have a lot to offer.”

While taking his message to Toronto schools throughout the month, Dynast is working on his third album. His new track, “My Style” is set to hit the airwaves Feb. 24.  ‘Art of Invention’ is available as a free mp3 download to students across the province of Ontario, nationally and to colleges and universities across North America.