Wahwahtay Benais

Wahwahtay Benais is a hip-hop artist from the Leech Lake Reservation in Northern Minnesota. His stage name references the Thunderbird, a symbol associated with the Northern Lights. Growing up in Ball Club, Benais has become known for his performances that blend cultural identity, decolonization, and historical narratives into his music. He often addresses themes such as the history of Indian boarding schools and community resilience. Benais has been involved in national performances and community empowerment initiatives, using his platform to highlight contemporary Native American life and culture.

As a versatile artist, Benais' music includes tracks like "Indigenous Holocaust," which delves into the traumatic history of forced removals and violence experienced by Native American children. His work has been featured in music videos and collaborations that aim to challenge traditional representations of Indigenous communities. Recent releases include "A Good Day" and collaborations on tracks like "Money On My Mind," showcasing his continued creativity in the genre.