Shad (Shadrach Kabango)

Shad is the new host of q, as of 4/20/15.

Shad is a critically-acclaimed, Juno Award winning MC, regarded for his humour, honesty, and intelligence. His fan base graciously received his first two albums, and his third LP, "TSOL," continued to pique new levels of international interest. In October 2013, Shad released his much anticipated fourth full-length record, "Flying Colours."

Born in Kenya to Rwandan parents and relocated to Canada shortly after, Shad has nurtured a broad range of interests and experiences since his formative years, including, of course, a passion for music. After high-school Shad put his nose to the grindstone and wrote his first songs while studying business at Wilfrid Laurier University where he later graduated with a Bachelor's degree. Sprung from his dorm-room and financed by the winnings from an unsigned talent competition, Shad's first record "When This Is Over" was released in July 2005, and was characterized by overt introspection and social awareness. An unadulterated glimpse of young-adulthood, the self-made album bore promise of even greater accomplishments.

When 2007's "The Old Prince" was released on Black Box Recordings, critics immediately incorporated Shad into the dialogue among the most well-regarded MCs in North America. The Juno Awards, the most prestigious honor in Canadian music, nominated the album as Rap Recording of The Year. "The Old Prince" was also named an official contender for the cutting edge Polaris Music Prize in 2008. His third album, "TSOL," continued his thoughtful approach, which traverses soulful arrangements with sharp, progressive lyrics, and won him the 2011 Juno Award for Rap Recording of the Year.

With a supportive fan base growing around the globe, "Flying Colours" saw Shad inspire hope and joy while freely exploring the depths of his ideas and experiences. Taking home the 2014 Hip Hop Artist of the Year award at the Indie's, and a 2014 Juno Award nomination in tow, Shad's national and international profile continues continues to build as he continues to tour "Flying Colours" in Canada, USA and Europe.