In Conversation: Shad with Hemen Tor-Agbidye
November 14
Doors: 3 PM | In Conversation: 4-6 PM
Heather Edwards Theatre
Join us for an intimate, one-on-one conversation between acclaimed Canadian rapper and cultural commentator Shad (Shadrach Kabango) and Hemen Tor-Agbidye, Festival Manager of Sled Island. Over the past two decades, Shad has built a celebrated career defined by razor-sharp lyricism, thoughtful storytelling, and a fearless willingness to explore complex themes — from identity, faith, and politics to personal growth and creativity.
Beyond his award-winning music — including a JUNO Award and a record-setting five Polaris Prize shortlists — Shad’s voice has shaped the cultural landscape as the host of CBC’s q, the Emmy- and Peabody-winning Netflix series Hip-Hop Evolution, and as an educator designing and teaching university-level courses on hip-hop.
This conversation will trace Shad’s remarkable artistic journey, dig into the intersections of music, culture, and social change, and offer unique insights into what it means to create meaningful art in today’s world. Whether you’re a fan, an artist, or simply curious about the transformative power of hip-hop, this is a rare chance to hear from one of Canada’s most compelling creative voices.
This partner program is presented by Music Calgary Soundoff Summit 2025, a Music Conference & Showcase Festival taking place November 13-15, 2025.
About the speaker
Shad (Shadrach Kabango) is a Canadian rapper of Rwandan descent. He is known for blending humour with weighty themes, exploring a range of topics and sounds over the course of his 20-year career. Shad has carved out a distinctive voice in hip-hop, expertly crafting rhymes that tackle themes ranging from identity and faith to politics and personal struggle, all while experimenting with a diverse range of sounds and styles.
A critically acclaimed artist, Shad has earned a number of prestigious accolades. He won the 2011 JUNO Award for Rap Album of the Year, and he is also the only artist to be shortlisted five times for the Polaris Music Prize for Canadian Album of the Year, more than any other artist in the award’s history, underscoring his consistent artistic excellence and national impact.
Shad’s influence extends well beyond music. He captured the national spotlight in 2012 when he won CBC Radio’s Canada Reads competition, passionately championing Something Fierce by Carmen Aguirre. He then served as the host of CBC Radio’s flagship arts and culture program q and Netflix’s Emmy and Peabody Award-winning series Hip-Hop Evolution. In addition to his media work, Shad has also grown into the role of educator, having recently designed and taught Hip-Hop-related courses at both the University of Toronto and Wilfrid Laurier University, further solidifying his role as a leading voice.
