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Inside a rehearsal space in the eastern part of Jo’burg, choreographer Lee-ché Janecke led a group of student cheerleaders through choreographed moves. Following an extensive session of from fluid movements 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 viral moves. They were done in just two takes.

Rising Global Influence

Lee-ché has remained at the leading edge of the expanding worldwide popularity of South African music and dance over the past few years. Collaborating with performer Tyla since she was 17, he created the viral dance that went with smash single “the song Water,” which propelled the emerging African artist to global stardom.

“When I speak about my path I feel moved to realize this is where it’s arrived at, and that where it’s come to seems like a new start,” Janecke expressed.

Formative Beginnings

Janecke grew up in a Cape Town neighborhood and later another township, both historically classified as “Coloured” townships. Influenced by his elder playing pop icons, he danced at family events. He initially aimed to study business after school, but could not ignore the attraction of dance, in which he has is self-taught.

Career Path

Over a decade ago, Janecke was exploring femininity in dance and embraced himself as gay. He was instrumental in launching a performance group, South Africa’s first all-male dance team focused on ballroom-inspired styles, dance forms that were born in NYC’s underground dance community in the ’80s and ’90s.

His team, which expanded to include women and a style consultant, joined numerous televised dance competitions. Yet, it placed as runner-up in nearly every event, something Janecke blamed on the country not yet being prepared for queer performers.

Years ago, the group was targeted at a public transport stop as they travelled back from performing at Soweto Pride. A crowd encircled their transport, yelling and moving the van from back and forth, until the driver finally convinced them to break up. “It gave:‘Yeah girl, we’re done for you,’” said Janecke.

Key Moments

In time, the group dissolved, as Janecke was hired solo, working on the talent show a broadcast series for an extended period. He was hired by the singer’s early representatives to train her. “I [felt]: ‘There is potential about this girl.’ It’s visible in their eyes,” he recalled.

Fast-forward to 2025, the rehearsal was just a few days after the VMAs. Tyla took home a trophy for a track. The video was staged by him, who was also shortlisted for best choreography.

It marked the highest point of several two years of partnering with Tyla globally on projects including The Voice finale to the BET Awards and a music festival. Janecke also choreographed overseas events for a popular DJ and taught dance workshops at a dance studio, the studio of the a renowned company in NYC, and at an LA-based space.

Upcoming Plans

“In my view, the close of that period is the industry acknowledgment,” Janecke said. He was filming when he found out he had been honored: “I instantly became emotional. It overwhelmed me, I believe I continue to feel moved, because … I sat up, 3am, to see the awards broadcast. I felt convinced that here is where my future awaits.”

Janecke gesticulated as he spoke, standing to demonstrate dance moves. “It is essential to take the right steps to keep communicating and establishing my work out there, independent of the artists associated with it.”

He listed his ambitions – securing a American representative, collaborating with names such as pop stars to music icons, and breaking into the K-pop market, brand campaigns and musicals. He cited a peer Robbie Blue as achieving the level he believes he is able to reaching.

Staying True

Nonetheless, Janecke was assertive he would keep working with Tyla: “We have a bond forever … She is deeply committed about her art and really transforming the landscape of the world.”

Although Janecke voiced disappointment that his home country did not have the professional and seamless working environment of the America, he stated he was South African at heart. “My African dream created a dance performed by the international community … thus, to my mind, what I pursue is an African dream.”