In Johannesburg, South Africa, choreographer Lee-ché Janecke is on a mission to take his culture global. Janecke, who grew up in Cape Town and Johannesburg, is best known for choreographing Tyla’s viral “Water” dance. His journey began at family gatherings, and despite no formal training, he co-founded the country’s first male voguing and whacking dance crew. However, Janecke, an openly LGBTQ+ artist, faced adversity for his sexuality, which eventually prompted him to go solo. Over the past decade, he has choreographed high-profile events including Coachella, BET Awards, and MTV VMAs. He was also nominated for “Best Choreography” at the recent MTV VMAs for his work on another Tyla track, Push 2 Start. Despite his many successes, Janecke isn’t done. He is now aiming for collaborations with global artists and K-pop acts, determined to take his brand global.
The Guardian
