Action V’s journey from a choir boy to a hip-hop hustler
Independent rapper and producer Action V (Lwandle Tunyiswa) is building a platform for township talent through Net So Productions while staying true to his roots.
Action V never left the choir behind; he just took it to the streets.
Born Lwandle Tunyiswa in the Eastern Cape, the independent South African hip-hop artist, producer and founder of Net So Productions started singing in church as a young boy. Without instruments, the choir relied on pure voice and harmony. He eventually conducted, learning leadership and how to build something from nothing.
“Starting in the church choir gave me discipline, harmony and heart,” he said. “When I moved into hip-hop, I brought that same structure. Gospel could heal, but hip-hop could talk to the streets where I grew up.”
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His stage name was earned in high-school cyphers. Peers would call for “that guy who brings the action.” The V stands for Victory, Voice and Vision. “That name put pressure on me to always deliver. On stage it means energy. If the crowd is dead, it’s my job to bring them to life.”
The move from the Eastern Cape to Johannesburg for education and music brought culture shock. “In the EC we had community and time. In JHB it’s fast, expensive and lonely.” The transition sharpened his dual perspective: village stories meet city hunger.
He deliberately records in township backrooms rather than polished commercial studios. “I say ‘struggling artist’ because ‘upcoming’ sounds like I’m waiting. I’m working right now. Music made in the ghetto has grit. The world needs that rawness.”
His album Deep in Thoughts confronts gatekeepers who decide “who eats.” The message is clear: stop waiting to be picked, own your masters, and build with each other. Upcoming project Ghetto Stories tackles crime and women’s abuse while keeping the energy high. “You should be nodding your head and thinking after.”
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Action V produces 100% of his own music and runs Net So Productions to open doors for others. Shows often feature 20 acts with low or free entry so local talent can be heard. He collaborates only with artists who bring hunger and heart, keeping the sound rooted in Eastern Cape reality rather than copy-paste trends.
His advice to the next generation is simple: master your craft and stay true. Long-term, he wants Net So to raise other houses and for kids from any ghetto to see that it can be done without selling out.
“That’s victory. That’s Action V.”
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