Within a practice hall in east Johannesburg, choreographer Lee-ché guided a group of cheerleading students through a routine. Following five hours of from fluid movements to voguing with pompoms, the enthusiastic group gathered round Janecke to film a TikTok of one of the trending South African amapiano trends. They were done in just two takes.
Growing Worldwide Presence
Janecke has been at the forefront of the increasing international popularity of SA movement and sound over the past few years. Collaborating with artist Tyla since she was a teenager, he choreographed the internet sensation that went with hit song “the track Water,” which launched the emerging South African performer to international recognition.
“When I speak about my life it touches me deeply to understand how far it’s reached, and that this moment seems like a new start,” he shared.
Formative Years
Janecke grew up in a Cape Town neighborhood and later a Johannesburg area, both historically known as “mixed-race” areas. Inspired by his elder playing pop icons, and would dance at celebrations. He initially planned to study finance after school, but was unable to resist the attraction of dance, in which he has never been formally trained.
Artistic Journey
By 2011, he delved into identity in dance and embraced himself as gay. He was instrumental in launching a dance crew, SA’s first group of male dancers focused on vogue and whack, movement genres that originated in New York’s underground dance community in the ’80s and ’90s.
His team, which grew to include female dancers and a costume designer, joined numerous televised dance competitions. But, it placed as runner-up in nearly every one it entered, something Janecke attributed to local audiences not yet being open for openly LGBTQ+ dancers.
During one incident, the group was attacked at a taxi stand as they travelled back from performing at Soweto Pride. A mob encircled their taxi, shouting and rocking the van from side to side, until the conductor finally convinced them to break up. “It felt like:‘Well, this is the end for you,’” recalled Janecke.
Breakthrough Achievements
Eventually, V.I.N.T.A.G.E had disbanded, as Janecke started getting booked alone, working on the talent show Idols South Africa for an extended period. He was brought on by the singer’s initial team to train her. “I [felt]: ‘There is potential about her.’ It’s visible in her eyes,” he said.
Fast-forward to 2025, a practice session was just not long after the a major awards show. Tyla received an award for Push2Start. The visual was choreographed under his direction, who was also recognized for outstanding movement.
This was the highest point of several two years of partnering with Tyla internationally on everything from a singing competition to the an entertainment ceremony and a music festival. Janecke also designed international performances for an artist and instructed dance workshops at Ailey Extension, the school of the a prestigious group in NYC, and at an LA-based space.
Future Goals
“For me, the completion of that phase is the industry acknowledgment,” Janecke said. He was working when he found out he had been shortlisted: “I instantly burst into tears. I was so emotional, I believe I still get emotional, because … I stayed awake, 3am, to see the ceremony as it happened. I felt convinced that this moment is where my future awaits.”
Using his hands as he shared, standing to show routines. “I have to take the correct actions to persist in expressing and establishing my name known, independent of the figures associated with it.”
He shared his goals – finding a American representative, partnering with names such as international acts to music icons, and entering the K-pop market, commercials and stage productions. He mentioned fellow choreographer Robbie Blue as being at the level he believes he is capable of achieving.
Remaining Loyal
However, Janecke was assertive he would continue collaborating with Tyla: “She is like family for life … She is deeply committed about her art and genuinely changing the conversation in the industry.”
Even as Janecke expressed concern that South Africa was missing the professional and smooth working environment of the United States, he affirmed he remained true to his origins to his core. “My vision got a movement performed by the international community … thus, for me, Lee-ché’s dream is a dream rooted in Africa.”
