SA Dance Creator Lee-ché Dreams of Global Impact

In a practice hall in Johannesburg’s eastern suburbs, choreographer Lee-ché coached a group of student cheerleaders through a routine. After five hours of from body rolls to vogue dance with pom-poms, the enthusiastic group gathered round Janecke to create a social media video of one of the trending amapiano viral moves. It was completed in only two attempts.

Rising Global Influence

Lee-ché has remained at the forefront of the expanding global recognition of African movement and sound over the last several years. Collaborating with performer the musician since she was 17, he was responsible for the internet sensation that was part of smash single “Water,” which launched the young African performer to global stardom.

“Talking about my path it touches me deeply to know this is where it’s reached, and that this moment seems like a brand new chapter,” he shared.

Formative Beginnings

He was raised in a Cape Town neighborhood and later another township, both historically known as “mixed-race” areas. Influenced by his grandpa playing music legends, and would dance at family events. Originally aimed to study business after school, but succumbed to the attraction of performance, in which he has learned informally.

Professional Journey

Over a decade ago, Janecke was exploring gender expression in dance and embraced himself as LGBTQ+. He co-founded a dance crew, South Africa’s first all-male dance team focused on ballroom-inspired styles, dance forms that originated in the ball culture in the late 1980s and 1990s.

The group, which evolved to include female dancers and a fashion stylist, joined numerous televised contests. However, it placed as runner-up in all but the last event, something Janecke linked to the country not yet being prepared for LGBTQ+ artists.

In 2013, the group was attacked at a minibus taxi rank as they travelled back from dancing at a pride event. A group converged on their transport, shouting and shaking the vehicle from side to side, until the conductor finally persuaded them to break up. “It was:‘Well, it’s over for you,’” recalled Janecke.

Key Achievements

Eventually, the crew parted ways, as Janecke started getting booked solo, working on the talent show a broadcast series for six years. He was hired by Tyla’s initial team to work with her. “I [felt]: ‘She has something about her.’ I can see it in the expression,” he said.

Recently, the rehearsal was just a few days after the VMAs. Tyla took home a trophy for a track. The visual was choreographed under his direction, who was also shortlisted for best choreography.

It marked the highest point of several two years of working with Tyla worldwide on events like The Voice finale to the a music awards show and a music festival. Janecke also created international performances for DJ Uncle Waffles and led amapiano classes at a New York institution, the space of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in New York, and at Playground in LA.

Future Plans

“For me, the end of that chapter is the VMA nomination,” Janecke said. He was filming when he discovered he had been shortlisted: “I instantly burst into tears. I was so emotional, I feel I still get emotional, because … I sat up, early morning, to see the VMAs live. I was certain that this moment is where my destiny lies.”

Using his hands as he spoke, getting up to demonstrate steps. “It is essential to take the right steps to keep expressing and getting my work known, away from the figures associated with it.”

He outlined his goals – finding a stateside manager, working with names such as Dua Lipa and Doechii to music icons, and entering the Asian entertainment scene, advertising and theater. He mentioned another artist a talented creator as being at the level he believes he is capable of reaching.

Remaining Loyal

Nonetheless, Janecke was clear he would keep working with Tyla: “We have a bond for life … She is deeply committed about making songs and genuinely shifting the landscape in the industry.”

Although Janecke expressed disappointment that the local industry lacked the structured and seamless working environment of the United States, he affirmed he stayed true to his origins to his core. “The dream I hold achieved a dance performed by the entire globe … thus, in my view, what I pursue is a vision born on this continent.”