TORONTO — So is it "q" or "Q"?
Last week, CBC announced the new Shad-hosted version of its arts and culture radio program "Q" was getting a little makeover.
The show would keep its name but would be branded with a lower-case "q."
But the public broadcaster clarified its position Monday as the new show launched.
The CBC now says the show's logo will use a small "q", but for "clarity and readability," the program will otherwise be referred to with an upper-case "Q" in written communication.
The rebrand was viewed as another step by the CBC to distance itself from disgraced former "Q" host Jian Ghomeshi.
Ghomeshi was fired in October amid sexual assault charges. He faces seven counts of sexual assault and one of overcoming resistance by choking, but his lawyer has said he will plead not guilty to all charges.
Shad made no mention of Ghomeshi as he steered his inaugural "q" broadcast in front of a live audience at CBC's Glenn Gould Studio. The Vancouver rapper, otherwise known as Shadrach Kabango, presided over a two-hour program long on performances and relatively short on talk.
Inuk throat singer Tanya Tagaq, Toronto songwriter Bahamas and Grammy-winning Canadian pianist Chilly Gonzales all contributed performances, while further support was offered in cameo form from the likes of Elvira Kurt, Damian Abraham and Peter Mansbridge.
Shad, clad in a beanie and hoodie with a golden key dangling from a chain around his neck, seemed comfortable in the host's chair — if exceedingly willing to share the spotlight.
He welcomed guest Marc Maron, known for drawing celebrities into deeply personal conversations on his popular "WTF" podcast, by telling the 51-year-old he "hoped to learn something" from him.
"It's smart to lay back," Maron said, observing Shad's casual style, "but you're going to have to get in there sometimes."
Once the show went off the air, Shad told the audience that their enthusiasm "almost brought (him) to tears."
One fan then vocally requested an impromptu song from Shad (with Gonzales manning the keys), and the 32-year-old gingerly obliged.
"Just so you know, this won't be a regular thing," he said with a smile after freestyling a light-hearted verse. "Don't expect rapping every episode."
