🔗 Share this article

Inside a rehearsal space in the eastern part of Jo’burg, dance instructor Lee-ché coached a team of cheerleading students through a routine. Following an extensive session of including undulating motions to vogue dance with pom-poms, the excited group came together around Janecke to record a TikTok of one of the trending South African amapiano challenges. They finished in just two takes.

Rising International Impact

Janecke has been at the leading edge of the increasing worldwide popularity of SA dance and music over the last several years. Collaborating with performer the musician since she was a teenager, he choreographed the trending routine that accompanied breakout track “Water,” which catapulted the young SA performer to international recognition.

“Reflecting about my path I feel moved to know how far it’s come to, and that where it’s come to is a brand new chapter,” he shared.

Initial Roots

Janecke grew up in a Cape Town neighborhood and later a Johannesburg area, both historically classified as “Coloured” areas. He heard his grandfather playing Madonna and Michael Jackson, he performed at family events. He initially intended to study accounting after school, but was unable to resist the pull of dance, in which he has never been formally trained.

Career Journey

By 2011, Janecke was exploring identity in dance and accepted himself as gay. He helped establish a dance crew, SA’s first male dance crew focused on vogue and whack, styles that originated in New York’s ball culture in the late 1980s and 1990s.

His team, which grew to include female dancers and a costume designer, joined numerous televised contests. Yet, it placed as runner-up in nearly every competition, something Janecke linked to local audiences not yet being prepared for LGBTQ+ artists.

Years ago, the group was targeted at a taxi stand as they headed home from appearing at an LGBTQ+ celebration. A group encircled their taxi, shouting and rocking the van from back and forth, until the operator finally urged them to disperse. “It gave:‘Well, this is the end for you,’” said Janecke.

Breakthrough Moments

In time, the crew parted ways, as Janecke began receiving offers alone, working on the competition a broadcast series for six years. He was brought on by the artist’s first manager to coach her. “I [felt]: ‘She has something about this girl.’ It’s visible in the expression,” he recalled.

Recently, a practice session was just shortly after the MTV Video Music Awards. The artist won a trophy for Push2Start. The video was designed by Janecke, who was also nominated for top choreographer.

It marked the pinnacle of over two years of partnering with Tyla globally on projects including a singing competition to the an entertainment ceremony and a music festival. Janecke also choreographed international performances for an artist and taught movement sessions at a New York institution, the school of the a renowned company in the city, and at an LA-based space.

Upcoming Goals

“In my view, the completion of that phase is the industry acknowledgment,” Janecke said. He was filming when he found out he had been shortlisted: “I immediately burst into tears. The feeling was intense, I think I still get emotional, because … I stayed awake, 3am, to watch the awards broadcast. I was certain that this moment is where my future awaits.”

Using his hands as he shared, rising to demonstrate steps. “It is essential to take the correct actions to persist in sharing and getting this brand recognized, separate from the figures linked to it.”

He shared his goals – getting a US agent, working with everyone from pop stars to legends, and breaking into the K-pop market, advertising and theater. He mentioned fellow choreographer Robbie Blue as achieving the caliber he knows he is positioned for reaching.

Remaining Loyal

Even so, Janecke was clear he would maintain his partnership with Tyla: “That’s my girl for life … She remains dedicated about creating music and really shifting the landscape of the world.”

Although Janecke voiced disappointment that his home country did not have the structured and smooth working environment of the US, he said he stayed South African at heart. “My African dream achieved a routine performed by the entire globe … so, to my mind, what I pursue is a dream rooted in Africa.”