Shad Is Q's New Host: - CBC Was Looking For An Original ThinkerMeet Shad - The New Q's Fresh And Liv...

1. CBC Chooses Rapper Shad To Replace Jian Ghomeshi As
New Host Of Q
Shad Is Q's New Host: - CBC Was Looking For An Original Thinker
Meet Shad - The New Q's Fresh And Lively Host
Rapper Shad will become the new host of CBC's cultural affairs radio show Q when it relaunches in
mid-April.
The 32-year-old is a multiple Juno-nominated artist who has drawn praise in Canada and the U.S. for
his humour, passion and originality, winning in 2011 for Rap Recording of the Year.
Born Shadrach Kabango in Kenya to Rwandan parents, he was raised in London, Ontario. He holds a
business degree from Wilfrid Laurier University and a masters degree in liberal studies from Simon
Fraser University.
"Joining the Q team is an honour," Shad said late Tuesday. "My mission in music has always been to
make a unique and positive contribution to culture and to people's lives. This is an exciting
opportunity to pursue that same mission in a new way, alongside a brilliant, passionate team."
In 2005, Shad released his first full-length musical collection When This Is Over, which received
critical acclaim followed-up by the very successful The Old Prince, which was nominated for a
Polaris Prize. His most recent 2014 release is Flying Colours.
CBC management conducted an extensive search for the new host of Q, which has been guest hosted
since the unfortunate fall from stardom of Jian Ghomeshi . He was dismissed after managers said
they viewed "graphic evidence" that Ghomeshi had physically injured a woman. The former host is
facing sexual assault charges.
Cindy Witten, executive director of CBC Radio Talk, said that the management looked at more than
200 potential candidates.
Shad Is An Original Thinker...
"We were looking for someone who is an original thinker, curious and emotionally intelligent," said
Witten. "Also, a good conversationalist who is witty and fast on their feet. We wanted someone

2. steeped in arts and culture in this country.
"We found there were different points of connection with the guests when the host was a creator or
an artist themselves," Witten added.
"It was a difficult time last fall and it is behind us. We're excited to introduce Canadians to their new
host and a fresh and lively Q," Witten said.
Though there will be a new show host, the show's name Q will stay. Witten said CBC focus groups
revealed that the majority of listeners wanted the name of the show to remain the same.
The new show will have more musical performances, she said, and will be less structured, with a
more conversational tone to allow more live spontaneous moments.
Meet Q's SHAD

3. http://www.kwnow.ca/npps/story.cfm?nppage=2743