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Inside a practice hall in Johannesburg’s eastern suburbs, choreographer Lee-ché coached a squad of young cheer performers through their steps. Following five hours of everything from undulating motions to voguing with pompoms, the enthusiastic group gathered round Janecke to record a TikTok of one of the newest amapiano viral moves. They finished in a couple of tries.

Growing Global Presence

He has stood at the vanguard of the increasing global popularity of SA dance and music over the recent years. Partnering with singer the star since she was 17, he created the internet sensation that accompanied smash single “the song Water,” which propelled the emerging SA performer to worldwide fame.

“When I speak about my life it makes me emotional to know this is where it’s arrived at, and that this moment is a new start,” he said.

Early Roots

His childhood was spent in a community in Cape Town and later a Johannesburg area, both traditionally classified as “Coloured” communities. He heard his grandfather playing music legends, and would dance at celebrations. He initially planned to study accounting after school, but succumbed to the attraction of dance, in which he has is self-taught.

Artistic Journey

By 2011, he began embracing gender expression in dance and acknowledged himself as gay. He co-founded a performance group, SA’s first all-male dance team focused on vogueing and whacking, dance forms that were born in the ballroom scene in the late 1980s and 1990s.

His team, which expanded to include women and a fashion stylist, participated in numerous televised dance competitions. However, it placed as runner-up in almost all one it entered, something Janecke linked to local audiences not yet being prepared for queer performers.

During one incident, the group was assaulted at a minibus taxi rank as they headed home from appearing at an LGBTQ+ celebration. A group surrounded their vehicle, yelling and moving the van from back and forth, until the driver finally convinced them to break up. “It was:‘Yeah girl, this is the end for you,’” recalled Janecke.

Key Moments

In time, the group dissolved, as Janecke began receiving offers alone, working on the talent show Idols South Africa for multiple seasons. He was contracted by the artist’s first manager to train her. “I thought: ‘There’s something about this artist.’ I noticed it in their eyes,” he said.

Fast-forward to 2025, a practice session was just shortly after the a major awards show. The artist took home an award for Push2Start. The video was designed by him, who was also shortlisted for top choreographer.

It marked the pinnacle of more than two years of collaborating with Tyla globally on everything from a TV finale to the a music awards show and Coachella. Janecke also designed US and UK shows for an artist and instructed amapiano classes at a New York institution, the studio of the a renowned company in the city, and at an LA-based space.

Next Ambitions

“Personally, the close of that period is the awards recognition,” Janecke said. He was filming when he learned he had been honored: “I instantly started crying. It overwhelmed me, I think I continue to feel moved, because … I stayed awake, early morning, to view the VMAs live. I was certain that this moment is where my destiny lies.”

Janecke gesticulated as he shared, rising to demonstrate dance moves. “I must take the right steps to keep communicating and getting this brand known, away from the artists attached to it.”

He shared his ambitions – finding a US agent, collaborating with names such as Dua Lipa and Doechii to Beyoncé and Madonna, and breaking into the Korean pop industry, commercials and stage productions. He cited another artist Robbie Blue as representing the level he believes he is positioned for reaching.

Remaining Loyal

Nonetheless, Janecke was assertive he would keep working with Tyla: “We have a bond always … She is deeply passionate about creating music and truly shifting the conversation globally.”

While Janecke voiced disappointment that his home country was missing the intentional and smooth working environment of the United States, he stated he stayed true to his origins to his core. “The dream I hold got a dance embraced by the international community … so, in my view, what I pursue is a dream rooted in Africa.”