shad was born in kenya to rwandan parents and was raised in london, ontario. he self-made his debut album, "when this is over" with a $17,500 cash prise that he won from 91.5 the beat's rhythm of the future talent competition. his album "the old prince" was nominated for a juno award for "rap recording of the year", and was also nominated for the 2008 polaris music prize. his third album, "tsol" was nominated for the 2010 polaris music prize, a 2011 muchmusic video award, and won the juno award for "rap recording of the year" at the 2011 juno awards.