Rakesh Yankaran, nicknamed The Raja[2] (pronounced [rɑːkeːɕə jəⁿkərənə]; born 03 December 1959) is an Indo-Trinidadian musician.

[4] His grandfather came from Andhra Pradesh, India to Trinidad and Tobago during the indentured labour times.

He can play the Indian instruments tabla, dholak, harmonium, dhantal, and the tassa drum.

Rakesh Yankaran was born in Brickfield, Carapichaima, Trinidad and Tobago to a Hindu family and is of Telugu and Bhojpuri Indian descent.

Other hits include Mousie, Dulahin Chale Sasural and Naroro Ray.