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Within a dance studio in east Johannesburg, movement director Janecke guided a squad of young cheer performers through choreographed moves. After five hours of from body rolls to ballroom-inspired cheer moves, the enthusiastic group came together around Janecke to record a TikTok of one of the trending amapiano viral moves. They were done in a couple of tries.

Expanding Worldwide Presence

Janecke has been at the vanguard of the growing global appeal of SA music and dance over the recent years. Collaborating with singer the musician since she was 17, he was responsible for the viral dance that was part of breakout track “the song Water,” which catapulted the now 23-year-old South African singer to international recognition.

“Reflecting about my journey I feel moved to understand how far it’s reached, and that where it’s come to seems like a new start,” he shared.

Early Years

Janecke grew up in Bonteheuwel and later a Johannesburg area, both traditionally known as “designated” communities. Inspired by his grandfather playing pop icons, he performed at gatherings. He initially planned to study accounting after school, but was unable to resist the attraction of movement, in which he has learned informally.

Career Evolution

By 2011, Janecke was exploring identity in dance and embraced himself as LGBTQ+. He was instrumental in launching V.I.N.T.A.G.E, South Africa’s first all-male dance team focused on ballroom-inspired styles, movement genres that were born in NYC’s ball culture in the ’80s and ’90s.

The crew, which expanded to include all genders and a style consultant, competed in numerous on-air showcases. However, it came second in all but the last event, something Janecke blamed on South Africa not yet being prepared for openly LGBTQ+ dancers.

Years ago, the group was targeted at a public transport stop as they travelled back from performing at Soweto Pride. A mob encircled their vehicle, yelling and shaking the vehicle from one side to the other, until the operator finally convinced them to leave. “It felt like:‘Well, we’re done for you,’” shared Janecke.

Key Opportunities

Eventually, the crew parted ways, as Janecke was hired solo, choreographing the talent show a broadcast series for an extended period. He was hired by the artist’s initial team to work with her. “I sensed: ‘She has something about this artist.’ I can see it in the expression,” he recalled.

Recently, a practice session was just not long after the VMAs. The artist won a trophy for Push2Start. The video was staged by Janecke, who was also nominated for best choreography.

It represented the highest point of more than two years of collaborating with Tyla internationally on everything from The Voice finale to the a music awards show and a major event. Janecke also choreographed US and UK shows for DJ Uncle Waffles and instructed dance workshops at Ailey Extension, the studio of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in the city, and at an LA-based space.

Upcoming Ambitions

“Personally, the close of that period is the awards recognition,” Janecke said. He was on set when he found out he had been shortlisted: “I immediately burst into tears. The feeling was intense, I believe I continue to feel moved, because … I woke up, in the night, to view the awards broadcast. I was certain that here is where my destiny lies.”

Using his hands as he spoke, rising to demonstrate steps. “It is essential to take the right steps to persist in sharing and building this brand recognized, separate from the artists attached to it.”

He outlined his ambitions – finding a American representative, working with names such as Dua Lipa and Doechii to music icons, and entering the K-pop market, commercials and stage productions. He referenced another artist a talented creator as representing the standard he believes he is capable of achieving.

Keeping Roots

However, Janecke was clear he would maintain his partnership with Tyla: “That’s my girl for life … She’s very passionate about her art and really shifting the landscape of the world.”

Even as Janecke shared concern that the local industry lacked the professional and smooth industry standards of the America, he said he was true to his origins to his core. “My African dream created a movement done by the whole world … so, in my view, Lee-ché’s dream is an African dream.”