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In a practice hall in east Johannesburg, choreographer Janecke guided a squad of student cheerleaders through a routine. Following five hours of from undulating motions to voguing with pompoms, the enthusiastic group surrounded Janecke to film a TikTok of one of the newest amapiano trends. It was completed in a couple of tries.

Rising Global Impact

Lee-ché has remained at the forefront of the growing worldwide recognition of South African movement and sound over the last several years. Having worked with artist Tyla since she was seventeen, he created the internet sensation that accompanied smash single “Water,” which catapulted the emerging South African artist to global stardom.

“When I speak about my path it makes me emotional to realize this is where it’s arrived at, and that this achievement feels like a brand new chapter,” he shared.

Initial Years

His childhood was spent in a Cape Town neighborhood and later another township, both historically referred to as “mixed-race” areas. He heard his elder playing Madonna and Michael Jackson, he danced at family events. At first intended to study accounting after school, but could not ignore the pull of performance, in which he has learned informally.

Professional Journey

By 2011, he delved into gender expression in dance and accepted himself as gay. He co-founded a dance crew, South Africa’s first male dance crew focused on ballroom-inspired styles, styles that emerged in the underground dance community in the past decades.

The crew, which expanded to include female dancers and a fashion stylist, joined numerous on-air contests. But, it finished second in all but the last event, something Janecke blamed on local audiences not yet being ready for openly LGBTQ+ dancers.

During one incident, the group was targeted at a minibus taxi rank as they travelled back from dancing at a pride event. A mob surrounded their vehicle, shouting and rocking the vehicle from one side to the other, until the driver finally persuaded them to disperse. “It felt like:‘Okay, this is the end for you,’” said Janecke.

Breakthrough Achievements

Eventually, V.I.N.T.A.G.E had disbanded, as Janecke began receiving offers individually, working on the TV program a broadcast series for multiple seasons. He was contracted by the artist’s initial team to coach her. “I sensed: ‘There is potential about this girl.’ I noticed it in her eyes,” he expressed.

Recently, the cheerleading practice was just not long after the VMAs. Tyla won an award for Push2Start. The music video was staged under his direction, who was also nominated for best choreography.

This was the peak of over two years of working with Tyla globally on events like The Voice finale to the a music awards show and Coachella. Janecke also choreographed overseas events for an artist and instructed dance workshops at a New York institution, the space of the a prestigious group in New York, and at an LA-based space.

Upcoming Plans

“Personally, the close of that period is the VMA nomination,” Janecke said. He was working when he found out he had been nominated: “I at once burst into tears. I was so emotional, I believe I still get emotional, because … I stayed awake, early morning, to watch the ceremony as it happened. I was certain that here is where my future awaits.”

Janecke gesticulated as he shared, standing to perform steps. “I have to take the right steps to continue expressing and building my work out there, separate from the names attached to it.”

He shared his dreams – getting a US agent, working with names such as Dua Lipa and Doechii to Beyoncé and Madonna, and entering the Korean pop industry, advertising and theater. He cited another artist a talented creator as being at the level he believes he is positioned for attaining.

Staying True

Even so, Janecke was emphatic he would continue collaborating with Tyla: “That’s my girl always … She is deeply committed about her art and really shifting the landscape in the industry.”

Although Janecke voiced frustration that South Africa did not have the professional and efficient professional conditions of the US, he stated he stayed African fundamentally. “My African dream got a dance done by the international community … so, for me, Lee-ché’s dream is a dream rooted in Africa.”