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Within a practice hall in east Johannesburg, dance instructor Lee-ché Janecke coached a team of young cheer performers through their steps. After hours of practice of including body rolls to ballroom-inspired cheer moves, the energized group came together around Janecke to film a social media video of one of the latest South African amapiano trends. They finished in only two attempts.

Growing Worldwide Presence

Lee-ché has remained at the vanguard of the increasing worldwide popularity of SA dance and music over the recent years. Partnering with performer the musician since she was 17, he choreographed the internet sensation that went with smash single “the track Water,” which launched the now 23-year-old SA performer to international recognition.

“Reflecting about my journey it touches me deeply to understand this is where it’s arrived at, and that this moment feels like a fresh beginning,” he said.

Early Roots

His childhood was spent in Bonteheuwel and later a Johannesburg area, both traditionally referred to as “mixed-race” communities. Influenced by his grandpa playing pop icons, and would dance at family events. He initially aimed to study accounting after school, but was unable to resist the call of dance, in which he has never been formally trained.

Artistic Evolution

By 2011, he delved into identity in dance and embraced himself as gay. He helped establish a dance crew, the country’s first group of male dancers focused on vogueing and whacking, movement genres that originated in New York’s ballroom scene in the ’80s and ’90s.

His team, which evolved to include women and a fashion stylist, competed in numerous broadcast showcases. Yet, it placed as runner-up in almost all competition, something Janecke blamed on the country not yet being open for queer performers.

In 2013, the group was attacked at a public transport stop as they travelled back from dancing at Soweto Pride. A crowd encircled their transport, screaming and shaking the taxi from side to side, until the driver finally urged them to break up. “It was:‘Well, this is the end for you,’” shared Janecke.

Breakthrough Moments

Eventually, the group dissolved, as Janecke was hired individually, directing the competition Idols South Africa for an extended period. He was brought on by the artist’s early representatives to coach her. “I [felt]: ‘There is potential about this artist.’ I noticed it in her eyes,” he expressed.

In the present day, the cheerleading practice was just shortly after the MTV Video Music Awards. The artist won Best Afrobeats for Push2Start. The visual was choreographed under his direction, who was also nominated for outstanding movement.

This was the highest point of more than two years of working with Tyla globally on everything from a singing competition to the BET Awards and a music festival. Janecke also designed overseas events for DJ Uncle Waffles and instructed dance workshops at Ailey Extension, the studio of the a prestigious group in NYC, and at an LA-based space.

Future Goals

“In my view, the close of that period is the awards recognition,” Janecke said. He was on set when he discovered he had been nominated: “I at once became emotional. The feeling was intense, I think 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 future awaits.”

He gestured as he spoke, getting up to show dance moves. “I must take the right steps to keep sharing and building this brand out there, separate from the artists linked to it.”

He outlined his ambitions – finding a American representative, partnering with names such as international acts to legends, and making inroads in the Korean pop industry, brand campaigns and stage productions. He cited a peer an industry name as achieving the caliber he is confident he is capable of achieving.

Remaining Loyal

Nonetheless, Janecke was assertive he would maintain his partnership with Tyla: “That’s my girl forever … She is deeply committed about her art and genuinely transforming the conversation globally.”

While Janecke shared concern that South Africa lacked the intentional and seamless professional conditions of the America, he said he was true to his origins to his core. “The dream I hold got a routine performed by the entire globe … so, to my mind, my aspiration is a vision born on this continent.”