Jair Dynast Featured in the 24 Hour News Toronto
Local artist turns mentor
When Jair Dynast was in school Black History Month meant someone would come in and speak for a few minutes and then walk out the door.
Now 31, the recording artist is using his music and experience to connect with young people and make them think. Partnering with the TDSB, Dynast is visiting 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.
