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 in Kenya to Rwandan parents who now live in Kigali, Shad was raised in London, Ontario, going on to earn a business degree from Wilfrid Laurier University and a master's degree in liberal studies from Simon Fraser University.

His first full-length release came in 2005 with When the Music's Over, and he broke out in a major way on the follow-up The Old Prince, which was nominated for a Polaris Prize. His most recent release was 2014's Flying Colours.