Ismaila Alfa now directs the traffic on SCENE

Ismaila Alfa (CBC)

Ismaila Alfa is a man of many talents.  He's a hip hop artist, the traffic reporter for Information Radio, a poet and a passionate man when it comes to arts & culture.  All great talents and skills to have, especially with Ismaila's new role at CBC.

Ismaila is the new host of the newly-named radio show SCENE-- formerly The (204) -- heard every Saturday right after the 5:00 p.m. news on CBC Radio 1.  Yes, you heard right.  CBC Manitoba SCENE online and SCENE on air:  Your local arts fix on-line 24-7 and every Saturday on the radio.   

We thought you'd like to get to know Ismaila a bit better, so we asked him some rather personal questions.

You've been the traffic guy for CBC's Information Radio for three years...what's one thing you've learned on that job that you'll bring to SCENE?
No one cares about the information you present unless you're entertaining them.

What are the top three songs on your iPod?
Lhasa - "Con Toda Palabra"
Kana'an - "Fire in Freetown" 
Paul Simon - "Afterlife"

What is the last book you read and why did you like it?
Black Like Me by John Howard Griffin.  Loved it because it was basically about a man stepping out of his skin and into that of a person who is considered lower class.  He did it all to learn and share with his community in hopes of changing the way Americans view black people.  At the same time it changed how he saw them...all because he was honest with himself while writing.

What is your favourite holiday movie and why?
Christmas Story....as if you don't know why.  Something about the line "You'll shoot your eye out!"

What is one thing that you asked Santa for this year?
More time :)
  
What makes the music scene in Winnipeg so special?
It's small enough that artists from extremely different genres have to work together. 
 
As the host of SCENE, what are you most excited about as you settle into the host chair?
Meeting more Manitoban artists and learning what they love about the Manitoba scene and how it's made them who they are.
 
Who's one Manitoba artist that operates under the radar that you want people to know about?
Singer and songwriter Katsina Hull.
 
Do you play the bagpipes?
No but I wish I did.  Just don't know anyone who can teach me.

Don't forget.

Ismaila Alfa and SCENE on-the-air every Saturday, on CBC Radio, from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m.

The Prairie Playlist on Up to Speed, Monday to Friday between 3:00 and 3:30 p.m.