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In a practice hall in east Johannesburg, choreographer Janecke guided a group of cheerleading students through their steps. Following an extensive session of everything from body rolls to vogue dance with pom-poms, the energized group surrounded Janecke to record a TikTok of one of the trending South African amapiano viral moves. It was completed in just two takes.

Rising Worldwide Impact

Janecke has been at the vanguard of the expanding international popularity of African music and dance over the last several years. Partnering with artist the musician since she was a teenager, he choreographed the internet sensation that went with hit song “the track Water,” which propelled the young African performer to worldwide fame.

“Talking about my life it makes me emotional to realize the point it’s come to, and that this moment feels like a new start,” he shared.

Formative Years

He was raised in a community in Cape Town and later a Johannesburg area, both formerly known as “Coloured” communities. He heard his elder playing music legends, he performed at celebrations. Originally aimed to study finance after school, but succumbed to the attraction of dance, in which he has learned informally.

Career Path

By 2011, he delved into femininity in dance and accepted himself as a gay man. He co-founded a performance group, the country’s first group of male dancers focused on vogue and whack, dance forms that were born in New York’s ball culture in the ’80s and ’90s.

The crew, which evolved to include female dancers and a costume designer, joined numerous on-air contests. However, it placed as runner-up in all but the last one it entered, something Janecke blamed on South Africa not yet being prepared for openly LGBTQ+ dancers.

Years ago, the group was assaulted at a taxi stand as they returned from performing at Soweto Pride. A mob converged on their transport, shouting and moving the taxi from one side to the other, until the conductor finally convinced them to break up. “It gave:‘Yeah girl, this is the end for you,’” recalled Janecke.

Breakthrough Opportunities

In time, the crew parted ways, as Janecke was hired alone, working on the talent show Idols South Africa for six years. He was contracted by Tyla’s initial team to work with her. “I [felt]: ‘There’s something about this artist.’ I can see it in the expression,” he recalled.

In the present day, the rehearsal was just a few days after the a major awards show. The singer won a trophy for a track. The video was designed under his direction, who was also nominated for outstanding movement.

It represented the pinnacle of several two years of collaborating with Tyla globally on events like The Voice finale to the an entertainment ceremony and a music festival. Janecke also created US and UK shows for a popular DJ and led amapiano classes at Ailey Extension, the space of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in the city, and at an LA-based space.

Next Goals

“Personally, the completion of that phase is the awards recognition,” Janecke said. He was working when he found out he had been shortlisted: “I instantly burst into tears. The feeling was intense, I think I remain touched, because … I sat up, 3am, to see the VMAs live. I was certain that here is where my path leads.”

Using his hands as he shared, rising to perform routines. “I have to take the correct actions to keep communicating and establishing my name out there, separate from the artists associated with it.”

He outlined his goals – finding a US agent, collaborating with everyone from pop stars to music icons, and breaking into the Asian entertainment scene, commercials and musicals. He mentioned a peer a talented creator as achieving the level he believes he is positioned for reaching.

Remaining Loyal

Nonetheless, Janecke was assertive he would keep working with Tyla: “We have a bond forever … She is deeply passionate about her art and really changing the dynamic globally.”

Although Janecke expressed frustration that his home country did not have the intentional and smooth working environment of the America, he stated he was true to his origins at heart. “My vision created a dance done by the whole world … therefore, in my view, what I pursue is a vision born on this continent.”