The Current’s evening host Ayisha Jaffer pursuing a new radio adventure
October 30, 2024
The Current’s evening host Ayisha Jaffer has announced she is departing to pursue a new adventure at another public radio station. Jaffer joined Minnesota Public Radio in April of 2022.
In addition to bringing a weekly soundtrack, Jaffer also deejayed at The Current Happy Hours and the Kids’ Disco at Rock the Cradle, and hosted microshows with Genesis Owusu and Pokey Lafarge. She takes great pride in bringing out the best in her interview subjects, and had engrossing conversations with Arlo Parks, Local Natives, The Killers, Janelle Monáe, Jenny Lewis, and Alex G — just to name a few.
Jaffer also hosted a weekly feature called Good News, highlighting positive stories about how music makes the world a better place. She shared many stories from artists and listeners alike, such as Louis Posen’s journey creating Hopeless Records, a science-backed playlist to calm your dog, and a listener who used grief to become a helper.
“Working at The Current has been a dynamic journey,” she says. “From Rock the Garden to Rock the Cradle — there has never been a dull moment. You, the listener, are the driving force of The Current. Thank you for inviting me into your musical community and allowing me to get to know you through the airwaves and through the many stories you shared in the moment and on Good News. I hope I’ve added to the playlist of your life and amplified some positivity through these frequencies in the last few years. I feel grateful to have been woven into the fabric of The Current's nearly 20-year history, and I look forward to celebrating what the station achieves next.”
Prior to joining The Current, Jaffer served as midday host and assistant program director at WNXP Nashville. Prior to WNXP, she was the afternoon drive host at WYMS Radio Milwaukee. She has also worked in music management in the U.S. and New Zealand with artists including Lorde, Cut Copy and Architecture in Helsinki. While living in New Zealand, she got her start in radio at stations 95BFM and Aotea FM.
What’s next? Jaffer will join Louisville Public Media to help develop a new talk show, which is slated to launch early next year.
“I am excited to bring my infinite curiosity, passion for people, and care for connection into this new role with an incredibly esteemed and motivated team,” she says. “I will miss The Current and appreciate all the stories we have shared together, whether it came from an artist walking through the studio doors, through Good News, or through our communal airwaves. It has been a pleasure.”
Ayisha will host her evening shift from 7 p.m. until midnight until Friday, Nov. 1.
