Ismaila Alfa to Host Newly-Named CBC Arts Show

CBC has tapped Ismaila Alfa to host its new arts and entertainment show, SCENE. Alfa is already well-known to CBC listeners as the spirited traffic reporter on Information Radio and the presenter of the Prairie Playlist on Up To Speed. He's also the front man for popular poetic hip-hop outfit, Magnum KI, and his new live band hip-hop act, Alfa. Click here to see Magnum KI's video for "Curbside Professor" with Pocketgigs.

SCENE, formerly known as The (204), will now move in tandem with one of Manitoba's online arts and culture destinations, cbc.ca/manitobascene.

"When we launched CBC Manitoba SCENE in April '11, the aim was to evolve The (204) from a music show to a show that covered a breadth of arts in Manitoba--but still with lots of music," says Cate Friesen, CBC's executive producer radio and performance in Winnipeg, who notes that the Manitoba-focused radio show has increased its coverage of visual art, theatre, books, and other entertainment events.

CBC listeners and arts fans should have plenty to look forward to on the rebranded show, including Alfa himself, who is sure to continue a strong focus on the local music scene.

"He's a blast to work with and brings so much knowledge and passion about the local scene, especially on the musical front," says Friesen. "And if you are a fan of the Prairie Playlist,  you will be happy to know that the artists will also be showcased on SCENE on Saturdays. And we are working on a new layout for SCENE online that will also showcase Prairie Playlist (our Manitoba musicians) in a prominent way."

You can hear Alfa on SCENE every Saturday at 5 p.m. on CBC Radio One Winnipeg.