Shad is a Canadian hip-hop artist who has been performing since 2005. Born in Kenya and raised in London, Ontario, Shad (whose real name is Shadrach Kabango) financed his debut album, When This is Over, with money he'd won in a radio station talent contest. Since then, he's been successfully establishing himself in both the Canadian and American hip-hop markets with his energetic rapping style and soulful beats. His lyrics often deal with social and political topics, including the Rwandan genocide, which Shad grew up aware of because both of his parents originally lived in the tragedy-struck African nation. In 2008, he was nominated for the coveted Polaris Music Prize.
