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Within a dance studio in Johannesburg’s eastern suburbs, dance instructor Lee-ché Janecke guided a team of young cheer performers through a routine. After an extensive session of from body rolls to voguing with pompoms, the enthusiastic group gathered round Janecke to film a TikTok of one of the latest amapiano viral moves. They were done in just two takes.

Growing Worldwide Impact

He has stood at the forefront of the expanding global recognition of South African music and dance over the recent years. Collaborating with artist the star since she was 17, he created the internet sensation that went with hit song “the song Water,” which propelled the young SA performer to global stardom.

“When I speak about my journey it makes me emotional to understand this is where it’s reached, and that where it’s come to feels like a fresh beginning,” Janecke expressed.

Early Years

He was raised in a community in Cape Town and later Eldorado Park, both traditionally referred to as “Coloured” areas. Inspired by his elder playing pop icons, and would dance at gatherings. Originally intended to study business after school, but was unable to resist the attraction of dance, in which he has never been formally trained.

Professional Journey

By 2011, Janecke was exploring gender expression in dance and embraced himself as gay. He was instrumental in launching V.I.N.T.A.G.E, the country’s first male dance crew focused on vogue and whack, movement genres that originated in NYC’s underground dance community in the late 1980s and 1990s.

The group, which evolved to include female dancers and a fashion stylist, joined numerous televised dance competitions. But, it finished second in all but the last competition, something Janecke blamed on the country not yet being ready for openly LGBTQ+ dancers.

In 2013, the group was attacked at a taxi stand as they returned from dancing at Soweto Pride. A mob converged on their transport, shouting and moving the taxi from one side to the other, until the conductor finally convinced them to break up. “It felt like:‘Yeah girl, this is the end for you,’” recalled Janecke.

Breakthrough Moments

By 2015, the crew parted ways, as Janecke began receiving offers solo, choreographing the competition a broadcast series for an extended period. He was brought on by the singer’s early representatives to train her. “I [felt]: ‘There’s something about this girl.’ It’s visible in their eyes,” he recalled.

In the present day, the rehearsal was just shortly after the VMAs. The singer won Best Afrobeats for Push2Start. The video was staged by him, who was also nominated for best choreography.

It marked the peak of over two years of collaborating with Tyla globally on projects including a singing competition to the an entertainment ceremony and a major event. Janecke also created international performances for a popular DJ and instructed amapiano classes at Ailey Extension, the space of the a prestigious group in New York, and at an LA-based space.

Upcoming Goals

“In my view, the close of that period is the VMA nomination,” Janecke said. He was on set when he discovered he had been nominated: “I at once burst into tears. It overwhelmed me, I think I continue to feel moved, because … I woke up, in the night, to view the ceremony as it happened. I always knew that this is where my future awaits.”

He gestured as he talked, standing to demonstrate routines. “It is essential to take the proper measures to keep communicating and getting my work out there, away from the figures associated with it.”

He shared his ambitions – finding a American representative, collaborating with names such as pop stars to Beyoncé and Madonna, and making inroads in the Korean pop industry, brand campaigns and stage productions. He mentioned a peer Robbie Blue as achieving the caliber he believes he is able to achieving.

Remaining Loyal

However, Janecke was clear he would maintain his partnership with Tyla: “That’s my girl always … She is deeply committed about making songs and really transforming the conversation in the industry.”

While Janecke expressed frustration that the local industry was missing the professional and seamless working environment of the United States, he affirmed he was South African to his core. “My African dream got a movement done by the international community … thus, to my mind, what I pursue is a vision born on this continent.”