Dynesti Williams, known as Dynesti, is an independent rapper, singer, dancer and artist development coach from Toronto. She uses music as a means of spreading mental health awareness, uplifting women, and celebrating Afro-Caribbean culture. She describes her sound as “royal hip-hop/soul with a dash of ‘rudegyal’ (feminine Afro-Caribbean spice)”. Dynesti’s candid lyrics center healing and jubilation after years in the shelter system and growing up in a broken home.

As a child, Dynesti discovered she loved performing when family members encouraged her to sing solo in church. Gospel songs were a staple in her early years and, as a half-Jamaican and half-Trinidadian, reggae and dancehall were also major influences. She was also inspired by Lauryn Hill, Erykah Badu, India Arie, Jill Scott, Eve, Beyoncé and Kirk Franklin. Local arts organizations such as SKETCH and Honey Jam helped Dynesti develop as an artist and she herself helps emerging artists as a live performance mastery coach. She also uses her social media platform to further encourage positivity and learning through comedic skits and personal development tips.

She opened for Sean Paul at the 2022 AfroWaveTO festival and has shared the stage with Dax and Talib Kweli.