For teenage hip-hop artist Alexander Reyes it is all about helping others and being positive.
“I got a big interest in international aid,” Reyes said.
Despite being only 19 years old, Reyes has already volunteered his time helping youth in third world countries such as Nicaragua and Tanzania.
On Feb. 20 the Nanaimoite will be performing at the Reggae Festival at the Port Theatre. The festival includes performances by Rasta Reuben, the Femme Fatales, the House of David Gang, Fredlocks Asher and the Ultra Flex Crew. The festival is part of the Black History Month celebrations organized by Nanaimo African Heritage Society.
As an artist, Reyes, who has opened up for the likes of Young Money, strives to share messages of positivity and strays from using profanity in his lyrics.
“A big thing to me is being able to have a positive message … there are so many other words that I can say without swearing,” Reyes said.
In December of 2013, Reyes, who has been active in humanitarian work for years, travelled to Tanzania as a member of Canada World Youth. Prior to leaving, he was able to raise $3700, which was used to help fund various volunteering efforts in the country.
He said his experiences overseas can be heard through his music.
“It translates a lot because we were working with youth,” he said.
Reyes is currently working towards the completion of an eight-song EP called The World Around Me. The upcoming record, which has no time frame for release, mainly touches on the teenager’s experiences in Nicaragua and Tanzania.
“It is basically about everything that I have seen in the world and different stories,” he said.
Reyes performs at the Port Theatre on Feb. 20 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $30. For more information including tickets, please visit www.porttheatre.com.
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