Will new host Shad return CBC Radio's Q to its former glory?

Will the man known as Shad bring stability to and restore the show known as Q?

That's the challenge that the 32-year-old Canadian rapper, born in Kenya as Shadrach Kabango to Rwandan parents and raised in Ontario, faces.

As you're all well aware, the future of the national CBC cultural affairs radio show Q fell into uncertainty when host Jian Ghomeshi was fired in October 2014 amid allegations and charges of non-consensual sexual assault. The news sent shockwaves across the country with numerous Canadian figures speaking about the subject.

After Ghomeshi's firing, the show featured a rotation of three CBC radio hosts: Brent Bambury, Piya Chattopadhyay, and Tom Power.

Standup comedian Candy Palmater, journalist Daniel Richler, Studio 360 producer Sean Rameswaram, Power, and Shad each participated in a week-long on-air audition.

During Shad's on-air audition, even comedian Norm Macdonald gave his endorsement of Shad during an interview.

The CBC crowned Shad as Q's new host on March 10.

"We were looking for someone who is an original thinker, curious, and emotionally intelligent," CBC Radio and Audio interim executive director Cindy Witten explained in a statement. "Also, a good conversationalist who is witty and fast on their feet. We wanted someone steeped in arts and culture in this country."

Shad said in a CBC interview that he was honoured to be selected. "My mission in music has always been to make a unique and positive contribution to culture and to people's lives. This is an exciting opportunity to pursue that same mission in a new way, alongside a brilliant, passionate team."

Shad made his musical debut with the album When This is Over in 2005, and won the 2011 Juno Award for Rap Recording of the Year for his third album TSOL. His most recent release, Flying Colours (2013), was shortlisted for the 2014 Polaris Music Prize.

His family-friendly approach to his music works in his favour, particularly in the wake of the Ghomeshi scandal.

“My music’s not profane or dirty,” he told the Georgia Straight in a 2014 interview. He added that his music has crossover appeal due to his interest in a wide range of musical genres.

He has also been a panelist on Canada Reads, and has a master's degree in liberal studies from Simon Fraser University. His familiarity with the West Coast—he's lived in Vancouver for the past few years and he also performed at the 2014 Squamish Valley Music Festival—may also help him to connect with Canadians from different geographic regions. 

Shad's first time as the official host of the CBC Radio One show will be on April 20.