Ep. 043: From Rio de Janerio Slums to Traveling Music Sensations w/ The Brazilian 2wins

From Rio Slums to Iowa Stages: The Unbelievable Journey of The Brazilian 2wins

What does it take to go from a neighborhood with no running water to headlining major business conferences and nonprofit galas across the Midwest?

In a recent episode of the Rhymes with Odd Podcast, host Ryan Snaadt sat down with Wagner and Walter—better known as The Brazilian 2wins. For Des Moines business owners, event planners, and marketers, the "2wins" are a familiar sight. Whether they are tearing it up on a violin and ukulele at a 30-year anniversary dinner or performing at the World Food Prize, their high-energy, wireless performances have made them a staple of the Iowa entertainment scene.

However, as Ryan Snaadt uncovers in this deep-dive interview, their path to the "Silicon Prairie" was anything but conventional.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EW1upz_mF1U

Growing Up in the Favelas: A Different Kind of Hustle

Before they were "pop stars" in the Midwest, Wagner and Walter grew up in the favelas (slums) of Rio de Janeiro. When Ryan Snaadt asked about their upbringing, the twins painted a picture that stands in stark contrast to the quiet streets of West Des Moines or Ankeny.

"The poor we grew up in... there was no glass on the windows and there was no running water," Walter shared. "Every day we had to wake up in the morning and walk nearly one mile to the nearest well with buckets."

Beyond poverty was the proximity to extreme violence. The twins recounted a "normal" childhood where friends carried grenades and rifles, and walking past bodies on the way to school was a weekly occurrence. For Des Moines entrepreneurs, this story serves as a powerful reminder of resilience. The "hustle" we talk about in marketing and business development takes on a whole new meaning when compared to the survival instincts honed in the streets of Rio.

The Cycle of the Favela

The twins described a "loop" where gangs would take over a neighborhood for a year or two before being replaced by the next group. This environment taught them a unique perspective on community and family—values they’ve carried into their professional music careers in Iowa.

The "Accidental" Musicians: A Father’s Vision

One of the most surprising revelations in the interview with Ryan Snaadt was that the Brazilian 2wins didn't initially want to play music. Their father was a luthier—a craftsman who builds violins, cellos, and violas by hand.

The irony? Their father couldn't play a single note.

To test the quality of his hand-built instruments, he forced the twins to learn the violin at age 11. They spent hours in the bathroom practicing scales while their friends played soccer outside. For years, they viewed classical music as a chore rather than a calling.

Breaking the Classical Mold

The "aha" moment for the 2wins came when they realized they could play the songs they heard on the radio. When they figured out they could play Kanye West’s "Stronger" on the violin, the game changed. This ability to bridge the gap between "high-brow" classical instruments and modern pop hits is exactly what makes them such a hit for Iowa corporate events and marketing activities today.

The Iowa Connection: From Rio to Cedar Falls

How do two kids from a Brazilian slum end up at the University of Northern Iowa (UNI)? It sounds like a movie script, but as they explained to Ryan Snaadt, it started with a single performance in Rio.

A performance by their youth orchestra caught the attention of an American reporter. The resulting interview aired on NPR, where it was heard by someone in Iowa. Soon, the twins were flown 20 hours to Des Moines to perform at the World Food Prize—a three-day trip that changed their lives forever.

The Scholarship that Changed Everything

During that trip, the President of UNI was in the audience. Moved by their talent and their story, he offered them a full-ride scholarship on the spot.

"We didn't believe it," Wagner told Ryan Snaadt. "We went home and didn't even tell our parents because we thought it was too good to be true." It wasn't until official university mail started arriving at their windowless home in the favela that the reality set in.

Culture Shock: The "Old Navy" Incident

The transition to Iowa wasn't without its hurdles. Moving from Rio to Cedar Falls in the winter brought the twins face-to-face with a "cold" they had never imagined. Furthermore, they arrived with zero English skills.

One of the funniest moments of the podcast occurred when Ryan Snaadt asked about their early struggles. The twins recounted their first solo grocery trip to Hy-Vee. A kind lady had given them a "money card," but they didn't understand the concept of a store-specific gift card.

They filled a cart with everything they had seen on American TV—yogurt, chocolate, Coca-Cola—only to have the transaction declined. It turned out they were trying to pay for groceries with an Old Navy gift card. Embarrassed and unable to explain the mistake in English, they simply ran out of the store, leaving the full cart behind.

Lessons for Des Moines Business Owners and Marketers

The story of the Brazilian 2wins is more than just a musical biography; it’s a masterclass in adaptability and brand building.

1. Innovation is Key: Much like Ryan Snaadt’s observation of their wireless gear, the 2wins succeeded because they moved away from the "strapped down" nature of traditional musicians. They embraced the future.

2. Storytelling Sells: People don't just hire the 2wins for the music; they hire them for the story. In marketing, your "origin story" is often your most powerful asset.

3. Resilience Over Everything: Whether it’s a language barrier or a lack of resources, the twins proved that a "do not give up" attitude is the only way to reach the next level.

Looking Ahead with the Brazilian 2wins

Today, the Brazilian 2wins are a premier touring act, but they still call Iowa home. Their journey from the slums of Rio to the heart of the Midwest is a testament to the power of opportunity and the welcoming nature of the Iowa business community.

As Ryan Snaadt concluded the interview, it was clear that Wagner and Walter aren't just musicians—they are entrepreneurs who built a brand from nothing but wood, strings, and a lot of heart.

Are you looking for more inspiring stories from local Iowa entrepreneurs and creators? Check out more episodes of the Rhymes with Odd Podcast for insights into business, marketing, and the unique paths to success.