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In a dance studio in east Johannesburg, movement director Lee-ché guided a squad of student cheerleaders through their steps. Following an extensive session of from undulating motions to vogue dance with pom-poms, the excited group surrounded Janecke to record a short clip of one of the latest amapiano trends. It was completed in only two attempts.

Expanding International Impact

Janecke has been at the leading edge of the expanding worldwide popularity of SA movement and sound over the past few years. Having worked with performer the star since she was a teenager, he choreographed the internet sensation that went with breakout track “Water,” which propelled the emerging SA performer to international recognition.

“Reflecting about my path I feel moved to know the point it’s reached, and that where it’s come to seems like a new start,” he shared.

Formative Years

His childhood was spent in a community in Cape Town and later another township, both traditionally referred to as “mixed-race” areas. Inspired by his grandpa playing music legends, he danced at family events. He initially intended to study business after school, but was unable to resist the call of dance, in which he has never been formally trained.

Professional Evolution

By 2011, he delved into identity in dance and embraced himself as LGBTQ+. He co-founded a performance group, South Africa’s first all-male dance team focused on ballroom-inspired styles, styles that emerged in NYC’s underground dance community in the ’80s and ’90s.

The crew, which evolved to include female dancers and a style consultant, participated in numerous on-air dance competitions. Yet, it came second in all but the last one it entered, something Janecke linked to local audiences not yet being open for queer performers.

Years ago, the group was attacked at a public transport stop as they travelled back from dancing at Soweto Pride. A crowd converged on their transport, screaming and rocking the taxi from back and forth, until the driver finally urged them to break up. “It gave:‘Okay, we’re done for you,’” shared Janecke.

Major Achievements

By 2015, V.I.N.T.A.G.E had disbanded, as Janecke started getting booked alone, choreographing the competition Idols South Africa for six years. He was contracted by Tyla’s first manager to coach her. “I thought: ‘She has something about this girl.’ It’s visible in their eyes,” he recalled.

Fast-forward to 2025, the cheerleading practice was just shortly after the MTV Video Music Awards. The singer took home an award for a track. The music video was designed under his direction, who was also recognized for best choreography.

It represented the peak of several two years of partnering with Tyla worldwide on everything from The Voice finale to the a music awards show and a major event. Janecke also designed international performances for a popular DJ and led amapiano classes at a dance studio, the school of the a renowned company in New York, and at a Los Angeles venue.

Upcoming Plans

“Personally, the end of that chapter is the industry acknowledgment,” Janecke said. He was on set when he found out he had been honored: “I immediately started crying. It overwhelmed me, I think I still get emotional, because … I woke up, 3am, to watch the ceremony as it happened. I was certain that this is where my path leads.”

He gestured as he talked, rising to demonstrate steps. “It is essential to take the correct actions to persist in sharing and establishing this brand known, independent of the figures linked to it.”

He shared his goals – getting a stateside manager, working with names such as pop stars to Beyoncé and Madonna, and breaking into the K-pop market, advertising and stage productions. He cited fellow choreographer Robbie Blue as representing the level he believes he is capable of attaining.

Staying True

Even so, Janecke was clear he would continue collaborating with Tyla: “That’s my girl always … She is deeply dedicated about her art and truly changing the conversation of the world.”

Even as Janecke voiced frustration that the local industry was missing the professional and smooth professional conditions of the America, he affirmed he remained South African to his core. “The dream I hold achieved a movement performed by the entire globe … thus, to my mind, my aspiration is an African dream.”