CBC’s “Q” names new host: Shad

After months of looking and auditioning, Q, CBC radio’s flagship radio magazine has named a new host: Shad.

The program focuses on arts, culture, music and entertainment. The program was previously branded as “Q with Jian Ghomeshi”.

CBC reportedly condidered some 200 possible replacements, before giving the nod to Shadrach Kabango. Shad will guest on Thursday’s program and will take on the host role April 20.

“Q” has been seeking new stability after its former host (who had become one CBC’s biggest stars) was abruptly fired last October. At the time, Ghomeshi protested that he was be punished for revealing his taste for consensual “rough sex”. But allegations emerged that Ghomeshi’s conduct had been unprofessional and non-consensual. A number of  criminal charges resulted, which are still before the courts.

Shad is well-known in the world of hip-hop, but his background is far from usual. From the CBC:

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, Shadrach Kabango was raised in London, Ont., going on to earn a business degree from Wilfrid Laurier University and a master’s degree in liberal studies from Simon Fraser University.

Shad is bilingual too, which is always a plus in Canada.

Time will tell if he’s a good pick. Anne Kingston had some thoughts on that and what this reflects about CBC management in this Maclean’s article of 3/11.

Here’s a musical profile on Shad the artist from CBC, and Shad’s own website.  And one of his official music videos “Shad – Progress (Part 1: American Pie, Part 2: The Future is Here)

And here’s Shad the musician appearing on Q with Ghomeshi as host from November 2013.

Q airs as a 90-minute program M-F on CBC radio. A condensed version of the program airs on NCPR from 8-9 pm weeknights.

Tags: arts, CBC, Jian Ghomeshi, Q, radio, Shad, Shadrach Kabango