It’s been the million-dollar question for almost five months now; who would replace Jian Ghomeshi as the host of CBC’s Q?
And this morning, culture-craving Canadians woke up with an answer.
His name is Shad.
But just who is Shad, anyway?
Here are 9 things you need to know about CBC’s next potential golden boy.
1. He’s From London, Ontario
Thirty-two-year-old Shad (or Shadrach Kabango) grew up in London Ontario, where he rolled with all the cool kids at London Central Secondary School, many of whom he still calls friends.
2. He Has Brains
In addition to his musical talent, Shad holds a business degree from Wilfred Laurier University and a master’s degree in Liberal Studies from Simon Fraser University.
3. His Debut Album was Self-Made
Shad’s debut album – When this is Over (2005) – was the result of some serious pavement pounding on his part. It was entirely self-made and funded with the $17,500 he won as a university student from a local radio talent competition.
4. He Has Since Released Four Studio Albums
Shad has already release four studio albums, all of which have been recognized through nominations for everything from Juno Awards and MuchMusic Video Awards, all the way to the Polaris Music Prize (three times, may we add). The most recent album is 2013’s Juno-nominated Flying Colours.
5. He’s a Juno Award-Winning Rapper
Shad has some pretty serious bragging rights as a Canadian rapper: in 2011, he won a Juno Award over Drake for Rap Recording of the Year. So yeah, that’s a pretty big deal.
6. His Role is the Result of a Weeklong Audition
In late January, Shad was put to the test at CBC through a weeklong audition process, where he interviewed cartoonist Art Spiegelman, opera star Christine Goerke, filmmaker and author Miranda July, and actress Evangeline Lilly.
7. He Has Appeared as a Guest on Q
Shad comes with experience from the other side of the interview table in the Q Studio. He was interviewed by Ghomeshi as a guest, and even played music alongside the former host.
8. He Already Knows His Dream Guests
Shad is setting his sights high off the bat, and has said that his dream guests include Kanye West and Barack Obama.
9. He isn’t Giving Up on Music
Shad music fans, worry not; though Q will be a fulltime gig, Shad will continue to perform and has upcoming performances scheduled. This includes an appearance at Massey Hall on March 27th.
With Shad front and centre, Q will re-launch this April.
#NOTABLE
All images from: Shad’s Facebook
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