Shad (Shadrach Kabango) is a bright, up-and-coming emcee from the unlikely city of London, Ontario. Shad’s debut album When This Is Over (2005) was recognized for lyrics deprecating the typical rap scene and focusing on social causes such as the Rwandan genocide. In 2007, he was signed by Black Box Recordings and released his second album titled The Old Prince on October 16, 2007.
Shad emerged emphatically onto the Canadian music scene, winning 1st prize at 91.5 FM’s annual Rhythm of the Future unsigned talent competition. Esteemed representatives from Universal Music and the Canadian Urban Music Association awarded Shad $17 500 to be put towards recording resources. Shad worked diligently to oversee all aspects of his independent debut release, “When This Is Over†while completing his Honours Bachelor of Business Administration degree at Wilfrid Laurier University.
Shad’s debut garnered rave reviews for its honest and clever lyrics and its distinct musical aesthetic from NOW magazine, Exclaim, Eye Weekly, Pound and the Globe and Mail. New Music Canada (CBC Radio 3) firmly stated that they “predict ’07 to be the ‘Year of the Shadrach.’â€
The young Hip Hop artist maintains a healthy schedule of performances through S.L. Feldman and Associates. His reputation as a performer has grown rapidly based on recent sold out shows in London and Toronto, and impressive opening spots for such artists as Common, Lupe Fiasco, God Made Me Funky, Kardinal Offishall, Classified and The Slip. His engaging and dynamic performances showcase an energetic live personality, unparalleled freestyle skills, and the unique ability to strum the guitar and rap simultaneously.
Shad's on-stage abilities were lauded at the 2006 Canadian Music Week Festival, where his showcase performance received a score of 96 from the influential Chart Attack Magazine CMW Report Card - the second-highest rating of any artist in the festival!
With increasing buzz surrounding his surprising debut record and memorable performances, Shad is focused on confirming the hype, and satisfying music lovers of various genres who anxiously anticipate a stunning follow-up album.
