Meet Tyasia Niangane | Actor , Activist and Entrepreneur

We had the good fortune of connecting with Tyasia Niangane and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Tyasia, can you share a quote or affirmation with us?
My favorite affirmation , that keeps me going is “ What God has for you, is FOR You “ . A lot of times we find ourselves getting discouraged and comparing our success to others . We may feel like , there are so many people in the world trying to pursue a particular thing or business, but God made everyone special and YOU ARE YOU . Knowing that you are special and God has blessed you with so many gifts , is important when pursuing anything !

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
As my professor in college would say “ Artist are on the frontline of social change .” From a young girl , I always had a deep connection to my Blackness . Knowing where we come from and the power we possess is what always drove me. I always wanted to help others and use my voice and artistry to amplify the voices of others . I started acting when I was 8 years old and believed that my art is my calling . Being an artist is not easy . My professor would always ask “ would you be an actor for free .” And my answer is and will always be yes . Once I realized that my art empowers , inspires and educates the masses , I realized that It is my protest . Actors in the old days were banned for trying to perform , so I knew that my art held power .

Again, being an artist is not easy. I have fallen unsure if this was a path I wanted to pursue . It gets easy to get discouraged after hearing no time and time and time again , but it’s not for the weak . Your personal work ethic and drive , will always determine how you see your success. Have I given it all I got ? Am I wasting my time ?Is this for me ? Why me ? Are thoughts that regularly cross my mind . And I will be honest and say that for the past couple of years , I have felt unsure , but every time I feel unsure , God sends me confirmation. Being an artist is hard but being a BLACK ARTIST ? Wheww chile . What happens if you don’t want to play crack head number 1 ? What happens when they ask you to ghetto your character up ? Any character I play will have substance , not just to dehumanize or for laughs . I would say the biggest challenge when being a Black Artist is finding stories and characters that allow us to be our true beautiful and authentic selves . Take a stand always is my advice . Dont allow the world to change you , change the world .

Writing my one woman play ,entitled Sandy Speaks which is about the atrocities done fo Black women as it relates to the killing of Sandra Bland , is my greatest accomplishment. I wrote something powerful , something educational, something heart felt and for the first time I didn’t have to find a play with that much depth . I wrote it . I directed it . If you ever feel like there is no path for you in your artistry, CREATE YOUR OWN LANE . We deserve authentic stories that depict real life and your story deserves to be heard !

The biggest lesson I have learned and continue to learn is to believe in yourself . No one has you like YOU HAVE YOU ! Life is rough and it is so easy to get trapped into self doubt , but you are powerful . You can do and be anything you desire . You are your greatest supporter . Never give up , always move upward and forward.

I want people to see me as the girl that did whatever she wanted . The girl that always used her voice to empower and inspire . The girl that had an idea and saw it through . The girl that is always seeking to bring back a sense of community within our community. Tyasia Shadae Niangane . Actor , Activist , entrepreneur.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Now i am always down for a good time ! I am always trying to find new restaurants and / or black owned businesses to support. I enjoy our bar on edgewood Avenue . It’s a very community based bar that gives you the opportunity to vend, promote , etc , all while hosting events that bring everyone together . I also enjoy DOLO’s pizza located at the underground. It is a Black owned pizza spot with the best pizza concepts which will soon grow to be bigger and better . You can never go wrong with the beltline . There are so many restaurants to explore as well ass beautiful scenery and greenery . Ever need time to yourself ? Piedmont Park is always a great place to have a pic nic and unwind .

Now for my afro beats / carribean lovers ( which I am ! ) , I love The Royal Peacock , Rum Punch Brunch is a huge carribean party every Sunday ! Blue lagoon and Ace Atlanta are my favorite African clubs !

Ever been to a speak easy? My favorite speak easy this far has been JoJo’s Beloved Cocktail Bar . Beautiful 70’s aesthetic , amazing craft cocktails and friendly staff .

Little 5 points is also one of my favorite areas . Lots of black vendors and black owned businesses as well as spiritual and crystal shops

Be spontaneous, Atlanta has so much !

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to give a shout out to my Mother . She never ceases to amaze me. Through every trial and tribulation that has come her way , she has never given up . She continues to defy the odds with an open heart and lots of Love to give . My mother has always supported any and every endeavor in my life and continues to push me. Watching her strength , has given me the drive to keep going forward and onward , all while keeping God at the forefront . Maryam Nelson , you are a phenomenal woman . Thank you. I will see to it, you have everything.

Instagram: Asia_bellum

Facebook: Asia Shadae Lucre