Ayisha Jaffer found her way to the Current by way of Nashville where she served as midday host, music director, and assistant program director at a new NPR music station, WNXP. Prior to that, she was the first female afternoon drive host at WYMS Radio Milwaukee. She has worked in music management in the U.S. and New Zealand, in the art departments for film and TV, and as a park ranger in Alaska. All of these experiences feed into the stories you hear on the evening show.
Growing up, Ayisha’s unhealthy addiction to music videos got her into music of all kinds. Most notably back in the ’90s, the way that Pop Up Video attached fun facts to the musical conversation fascinated her. As a teenager, she developed a love of punk and ska at a community space that hosted unsupervised local shows, and also found comfort in hip-hop records that her brother played for her as bedtime stories.
As an on-air host, she enjoys bringing her experience, knowledge, and energy to amplify and highlight artists, creators, and dreamers alike. She’s passionate about using music to pay it forward and connect community. She takes inspiration from Mr. Rogers, who said, “Let’s make goodness attractive.”
You can hear Ayisha Jaffer from 7 p.m. to midnight on weekday evenings, Monday through Friday.
