John Origines Santos Jr., better known as Johnny Tsunami, is a rapper, singer-songwriter, dancer, actor, and choreographer. (Courtesy photo)
The beat drops, sweat drips, and the bassline rides a wave between heartthrobs and foot stomps. Centered in sync with sound is John Origines Santos Jr., better known as Johnny Tsunami —rapper, singer-songwriter, dancer, actor, and choreographer.
His sound is sweaty, sexy, and hypnotic. His movements are sharp, crisp, and clean. Gliding between the pulse of hip-hop, house, and ballroom, his fluid footwork blurs the lines between the club, the stage, the screen, and the streets.
Trained at the contemporary ballet company Helios Dance Theater and mentored by legendary choreographer Sean Cheesman — whose work has shaped icons like Prince and Janet Jackson —Santos has built a career moving between worlds. From the refined precision of contemporary ballet to the raw energy of commercial dance, he has performed alongside Dawn Richard of Danity Kane, brought explosive energy to Lil Nas X’s Industry Baby featuring Jack Harlow, and captivated audiences in Rosalía’s Coachella performance.
A San Pedro native, Johnny is classically trained in concert dance while thriving as a commercial dancer, ballroom performer, and rap artist. (Courtesy photo)
A native of San Pedro, Johnny Tsunami, honed his technique in concert dance, performing with renowned companies such as Rhetorical Dance Company and Jazz Antiqua before contributing to high-profile advertising campaigns for Apple, Hennessy, Hoka, and Coca-Cola. Though dance was his first love, Johnny wanted more.
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“I have always wanted to explore and just learn new things and take on new characters,” he admits.
“I’m big on preservation,” he states as he explains his youthful appearance and relevance. “I’ve just been being really mindful of what I’m consuming, and what I’m giving as well. And that’s in all aspects, not just in my diet but just energetically too.
“I’ve always just been charismatic and dramatic,” Johnny Tsunami laughs, reflecting on what naturally drew him to performance. (Courtesy photo)
“I think that’s important to keep in mind just for stress and just trying to remain happy and positive and keeping the right energy and the right substances in you.
“I’ve always just been charismatic and dramatic,” he laughs, reflecting on what naturally drew him to performance.
“In dance, we might not have dialog a lot of times, but our body is the instrument. Our body is telling the story. So, it felt natural for me to start to put words to what I was feeling in my body.”
“I’m big on preservation,” Johnny says, reflecting on the discipline behind his longevity—physically, creatively, and energetically. (Courtesy photo)
When Anthony Bawn offered him the role of Shamel in the Atlanta-based series “Blackville,” he seized the opportunity. That breakthrough led to appearances in the television series “Family Reunion” and Larry Powell’s recorded stage play “The Madame of Leimert.” What began as an experiment quickly became a passion, reinforcing his belief that new challenges often reveal untapped potential.
While acting broadened his artistic range, music became another extension of his storytelling. “My mom is Black, and she taught me firsthand what it means, what it feels like to navigate this world as a black individual.”
As a Black and Filipino artist, he embraces both sides of his heritage while recognizing the nuances of representation in the entertainment industry.
For Johnny Tsunami, artistry knows no limits—his evolution is just getting started. (Courtesy photo)
In 2024, his debut EP, “Bakunawa,” named after the mythical sea serpent of Filipino folklore, is an ode to his cultural and sonic roots. A standout track, “Get Into Me” features frequent collaborator Enyce Cozy — known as the “King of the West” — as he and Johnny deliver a straight-up ballroom flex track to dominate.
Johnny’s latest project, “Double Scorpio”—a four-track collaboration with Lord Saint Black—is a high-energy, bass-heavy ballroom and dance-floor powerhouse. Released last month to fanfare, the EP cements Johnny Tsunami’s status as a force shaping the future. Artistry knows no limits for him, and his evolution is only beginning.
Follow Johnny Tsunami’s creative journey on Instagram at @ohrigines.
