From Wikipedia: Shadrach Kabango (born 1982), known professionally as Shad, is a Canadian hip hop musician.
Born in Kenya, of Rwandan parents, Shad was raised in London, Ontario.[1] His mother worked in London as a hospital lab technician; his father, as a machinist.[2]
His debut album When This Is Over (2005) was self-made, financed with the $17,500 he won from 91.5 The Beat's Rhythm of the Future talent competition during his time as an undergraduate student at Wilfrid Laurier University.[3] The album is recognized for lyrics deprecating the typical rap scene[4] and focusing on social causes—for example, the track "I'll Never Understand" examines the Rwandan genocide and includes poetry written by his mother, Bernadette Kabango.[5][6]
In 2007, he was signed by Black Box Recordings and released his second album, The Old Prince. In 2008, The Old Prince received a Juno Award nomination for Rap Recording of the Year, and was nominated for the 2008 Polaris Music Prize.
Music critics have compared his style to that of K-os and of Common, and also to a "London (England) sound circa 1990".[1]
Shad is bilingual, speaking English and French. He holds a business degree from Wilfrid Laurier University.[7] He is studying part-time towards a master's degree in liberal studies at Simon Fraser University.[1][8]