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Within a practice hall in the eastern part of Jo’burg, choreographer Lee-ché guided a group of student cheerleaders through choreographed moves. After five hours of from body rolls to ballroom-inspired cheer moves, the energized group gathered round Janecke to record a short clip of one of the newest amapiano trends. It was completed in just two takes.

Expanding Worldwide Impact

Janecke has been at the forefront of the expanding international recognition of South African music and dance over the recent years. Having worked with singer the musician since she was 17, he was responsible for the internet sensation that went with smash single “the song Water,” which propelled the young SA artist to worldwide fame.

“When I speak about my journey I feel moved to realize how far it’s reached, and that where it’s come to is a new start,” Janecke expressed.

Formative Years

He was raised in a Cape Town neighborhood and later Eldorado Park, both historically referred to as “designated” areas. Influenced by his grandfather playing Madonna and Michael Jackson, he danced at gatherings. He initially aimed to study finance after school, but could not ignore the attraction of movement, in which he has learned informally.

Professional Journey

In the early 2010s, he delved into gender expression in dance and embraced himself as a gay man. He was instrumental in launching a performance group, South Africa’s first all-male dance team focused on ballroom-inspired styles, dance forms that originated in the ball culture in the late 1980s and 1990s.

The group, which grew to include all genders and a costume designer, competed in numerous broadcast contests. Yet, it finished second in nearly every one it entered, something Janecke linked to local audiences not yet being open for LGBTQ+ artists.

During one incident, the group was assaulted at a taxi stand as they headed home from appearing at Soweto Pride. A mob encircled their taxi, yelling and shaking the taxi from back and forth, until the driver finally persuaded them to leave. “It felt like:‘Well, we’re done for you,’” recalled Janecke.

Key Achievements

Eventually, the group dissolved, as Janecke started getting booked individually, directing the talent show a broadcast series for six years. He was contracted by the singer’s first manager to work with her. “I thought: ‘She has something about her.’ It’s visible in her eyes,” he recalled.

In the present day, a practice session was just a few days after the VMAs. The singer won Best Afrobeats for her song. The video was designed by him, who was also recognized for top choreographer.

This was the peak of several two years of working with Tyla worldwide on events like a TV finale to the a music awards show and Coachella. Janecke also choreographed overseas events for a popular DJ and instructed amapiano classes at a New York institution, the space of the a prestigious group in the city, and at a Los Angeles venue.

Upcoming Plans

“For me, the close of that period is the industry acknowledgment,” Janecke said. He was on set when he found out he had been honored: “I immediately became emotional. I was so emotional, I feel I continue to feel moved, because … I sat up, in the night, to view the awards broadcast. I felt convinced that this moment is where my future awaits.”

Using his hands as he talked, rising to demonstrate routines. “I must take the correct actions to keep sharing and establishing my work out there, away from the figures attached to it.”

He outlined his ambitions – finding a stateside manager, collaborating with everyone from Dua Lipa and Doechii to Beyoncé and Madonna, and entering the K-pop market, advertising and theater. He referenced a peer an industry name as being at the standard he believes he is positioned for reaching.

Keeping Roots

However, Janecke was assertive he would continue collaborating with Tyla: “She is like family for life … She is deeply committed about making songs and really shifting the landscape of the world.”

While Janecke shared frustration that South Africa was missing the intentional and seamless professional conditions of the America, he stated he was African at heart. “The dream I hold created a dance performed by the international community … therefore, for me, my aspiration is a vision born on this continent.”