We recently connected with Sanwone Santae Benjamin and have shared our conversation below.

Sanwone Santae , appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

We knew at age 7 we have always wanted to pursue our creative endeavors since age 7 we have always created fun activities since we were in school doing talent shows performing in front of family members at the family cookouts. We have always been inspired by the Motown acts and how they were developed as artist. Our first recording tape was the Jackson 5 “Got to be there it inspired us so much we would dance for hours in the living room we knew what we wanted to do very young.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

We are from Charlotte, NC at 7 years old we were taken in to foster care and adopted at age 10. Our adoptive mother saw we had a gift in dancing and inspiring others so she put us in dance classes and in talent shows in school. We are very grateful to this day because she spent her hard earned money on recitals, tap shoes in 2013 we started dance classes at Spirit Square in Charlotte, NC,Sponsored by the Blumenthal Arts for the youth for kids in the city,we did talent shows and spoke to the to help provide guidance.
In 2015-2016 we got our big Break in Breakin Convention Organized by Jonzi D that got our organization local known.
We have done professional work as well such as international dance residencies,Superbowl 55, NBA dancer, World Of Dance, and more. Our most proudest moment was performing at Superbowl 55 with the Weeknd during Covid and the most importantly giving opportunities to the next generation someone saw a light in us so it’s important to that’s what our brand Twinnation is about. We love speaking our mother knew at a young age that we would speak to to younger people also in the foster care system. We provide mentorship in Charlotte, NC from ager 6 and up

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

During the COVID-19 pandemic, many people had to rely on each other for support, whether it was emotional support, financial assistance, or simply checking in on one another. we lost our jobs and many clientel at that time so we started writing a book that was released later in 2023. Families and friends stayed connected virtually to provide comfort and companionship during a time of social distancing. In Late January we were casted to perform at Superbowl 55 with the Weeknd and we were really excited. During our time in Tampa we were separated and had to take covid test everyday leading up to the performance.

Healthcare workers and volunteers showed incredibler eliance by continuing to care for patients despite the risks to their own health. They worked tirelessly to treat those affected by the virus and provide support to their colleagues.

The Creatives also had to learn how to collaborate on business endeavors this also demonstrated reliance by adapting to new challenges,

Overall, the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of reliance and support within communities and among individuals facing a crisis together. It showed the resilience and strength of people coming together to navigate uncertain times.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

“Community over competition” is a wonderful philosophy that emphasizes collaboration, support, and mutual growth among individuals rather than focusing solely on competition and individual success. By prioritizing community over competition, people can build strong relationships, share knowledge, and work together towards common goals. It fosters a sense of unity, empathy, and collective advancement.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @taeandwonebenjamin
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/twin.nation.3?mibextid=ZbWKwL
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@twinnation7835?si=1AubUrwlX0heSOW3

Image Credits
Photo credits- HomebaseFilms