Guest Of Honor

Andye-Andinha Niakan is a long-standing and well-respected member of the Atlanta Raqs community representing Nigeria. Before shifting to Atlanta she and a few of her relatives from the Middle East and South America put together Raqs Al Sharqi International as a way of highlighting Middle Eastern and African artists. While the group still exists, its better known under the parent operation African-Asian Business and Cultural Exchange. The AABCE offers referrals of African and Asian business to international communities worldwide including Toronto, Los Angeles, Kuwait and London. Andye’s role within the organization is to reach out and make sure businesses are aware that talented musicians and dancers are available for programs, cultural events and our infamous weddings. She has been writing show reviews, attending events and hosting gatherings for dancers since 1998 and was happy to move operations to Atlanta in 2002. When she’s not with Raqs Stars she is with the legendary band Tears for Fears assisting with fan club fun. She hopes to see more rocks and raqs stars collaborate on big projects in the coming years.