Inside a dance studio in east Johannesburg, movement director Lee-ché guided a team of student cheerleaders through their steps. Following hours of practice of from fluid movements to vogue dance with pom-poms, the excited group came together around Janecke to record a social media video of one of the latest amapiano challenges. It was completed in just two takes.
Rising Worldwide Impact
He has stood at the leading edge of the expanding international recognition of African music and dance over the last several years. Partnering with artist the musician since she was a teenager, he created the internet sensation that accompanied smash single “the track Water,” which propelled the emerging SA artist to international recognition.
“When I speak about my journey it makes me emotional to know this is where it’s arrived at, and that this moment is a new start,” he shared.
Formative Roots
His childhood was spent in a Cape Town neighborhood and later Eldorado Park, both historically known as “Coloured” communities. Inspired by his elder playing music legends, he performed at family events. Originally aimed to study business after school, but could not ignore the call of performance, in which he has never been formally trained.
Career Evolution
In the early 2010s, he began embracing identity in dance and acknowledged himself as gay. He was instrumental in launching V.I.N.T.A.G.E, the country’s first all-male dance team focused on vogue and whack, dance forms that emerged in NYC’s underground dance community in the past decades.
The crew, which expanded to include all genders and a costume designer, competed in numerous on-air dance competitions. Yet, it finished second in nearly every one it entered, something Janecke attributed to the country not yet being open for LGBTQ+ artists.
In 2013, the group was assaulted at a minibus taxi rank as they returned from dancing at an LGBTQ+ celebration. A mob encircled their taxi, screaming and rocking the vehicle from one side to the other, until the driver finally convinced them to leave. “It was:‘Okay, it’s over for you,’” recalled Janecke.
Major Achievements
Eventually, the group dissolved, as Janecke began receiving offers solo, choreographing the TV program a popular show for six years. He was brought on by the artist’s early representatives to train her. “I sensed: ‘There’s something about this girl.’ It’s visible in their eyes,” he expressed.
In the present day, the cheerleading practice was just shortly after the MTV Video Music Awards. Tyla won an award for a track. The video was designed under his direction, who was also recognized for best choreography.
This was the peak of more than two years of collaborating with Tyla globally on everything from a singing competition to the BET Awards and a major event. Janecke also created US and UK shows for an artist and taught movement sessions at Ailey Extension, the school of the a renowned company in the city, and at a Los Angeles venue.
Future Ambitions
“In my view, the end of that chapter is the awards recognition,” Janecke said. He was working when he found out he had been honored: “I at once started crying. I was so emotional, I believe I remain touched, because … I sat up, in the night, to watch the VMAs live. I was certain that this moment is where my path leads.”
Using his hands as he shared, rising to perform routines. “I have to take the right steps to continue expressing and getting my work out there, independent of the figures associated with it.”
He listed his ambitions – finding a American representative, collaborating with artists like pop stars to music icons, and making inroads in the K-pop market, commercials and stage productions. He mentioned fellow choreographer a talented creator as being at the caliber he is confident he is positioned for attaining.
Keeping Roots
Even so, Janecke was clear he would continue collaborating with Tyla: “We have a bond always … She’s very passionate about creating music and truly transforming the dynamic in the industry.”
Even as Janecke expressed disappointment that his home country did not have the professional and seamless working environment of the United States, he stated he remained African at heart. “My African dream created a movement done by the international community … so, for me, what I pursue is a vision born on this continent.”
