Skratch Bastid and Shad

Shad stands center stage, holding an acoustic guitar. A bassist, back up singer, drummer, and synthesizer stand onstage with him. The auditorium is dimly lit over the audience, but the stage is bright. Multiple strobe lights troll over the band members and flash over the audience. A large, rectangular strip of colored light illuminates the back wall behind the musicians. Shad gives a brief introduction, then starts to play his guitar. Unlike many rappers, he accompanies his rapping with real instruments, and the drums, guitar, and bass chords mingle well together. Shad's quick, clever lyrics ring out over the audience, who dance and wave their arms as he sings “Rock To It”. Shadrach Kabango, also known as Shad, is a Rwandan hip hop/rap artist from Canada. He first gained recognition in the music industry when, as an undergraduate student, he won 91.5 The Beat's Rhythm of the Future competition. The prize was $17,500, and he used the money to self release his debut album, When This Is Over. He followed that with three other albums: The Old Prince, TSOL, and Flying Colors, released in 2007, 2010, and 2013, respectively. Shad is a unique and talented rapper, and his excellence has been recognized. He has been nominated for two MuchMusic Video Awards, a Rap Recordings of the Year award, and the 2008 and 2010 Polaris Music Prize. He always put on a great performance and is well worth seeing live.