From as early as the age of fourteen, Mpumelelo Shadrack Ngubeni fell in love with music. Born in Mamelodi, Pretoria, he started singing at various churches and local gospel choirs. His parents (mother and stepfather), established a church in the East of Johannesburg – Ivory Park, through which the aspiring deejay, now referred to as La shad, mesmerized by the instrument, taught himself how to play the keyboard. That is where the magic began! He was constantly spotted in libraries growing his music passion, and started hanging out with local musicians. Soon after, he started sharing the stage with legendary South African musicians including DJ Fresh, Gloria Bosman, Solly Mahlangu, Zamajobe, Selaelo Selota and Jenin Price.
After completing his matric in 2000, Shadrack was left with no choice, but to pursue music not just as a hobby, but as a career, due to dire finances at home. After accomplishing a certificate at an electronics workshop, he went on to achieve a Certificate in Music (classical) with the University of South Africa (UNISA) in 2003, after which he continued with a Diploma in Music with the University Of Pretoria in 2005.
He went on to study at the Rhema Bible College (Creative Ministries), adding to his multitude of music, which has always been his dream. In the same year of studying at Rhema Bible College he was employed as a piano & vocal-trainer at the Boksburg Music College, for a year. Seeking to do more, he then left to go back to where he started, where he developed as a brilliant jazz-pianist and musician at the Moses Taiwa Molelekwa Arts Foundation; developing local up and coming artists. At MTMAF, he assisted with the formation of a jazz band named after the late legend, Moses Taiwa Molelekwa.
On this journey, Shadrack has been humbled by great opportunities of being involved in projects like the Johannesburg Arts Alive and the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz festival. In 2009, he bumped into dance/house music unexpectedly through Lunga Nombewu, the founder of fast-rising Afro-beat record label, Baainar Records. Signing on as both a producer and performing artist. There he has found a home, which allows him the liberty to tap into different spaces of music and song.
He soon came up with original songs and music, which were featured on prominent collections; Sunrise – Dj Kent ft Zaki Ibrahim(La Shad remix), Jonathan, featuring Thembi and Zweli, Brown Eyes featuring NaakMusiQ, Burning Flames – Tribe Records (La Shad Remix), Travelling Man – Nkokhi Sphelele (La Shad Remix) and a feature on D.J. Fresh and Euphonik – Feu. Too(In the studio). 2013 sees La Shad releasing his debut album, Latita. Meaning the rays of the sun have spread, in isiXhosa. A 10-track album featuring NaakMusiQ aka MJ on Sabc 1 Generations, Eltonnick, Zaki Ibrahim, The Steals and more.
