🔗 Share this article

In a rehearsal space in east Johannesburg, dance instructor Janecke coached a squad of cheerleading students through their steps. Following an extensive session of including body rolls to voguing with pompoms, the enthusiastic group surrounded Janecke to record a short clip of one of the newest local dance viral moves. They were done in a couple of tries.

Rising Worldwide Impact

He has stood at the forefront of the expanding international popularity of African dance and music over the last several years. Collaborating with performer Tyla since she was seventeen, he created the trending routine that went with breakout track “Water,” which catapulted the emerging South African performer to worldwide fame.

“Talking about my path it touches me deeply to realize the point it’s arrived at, and that where it’s come to seems like a fresh beginning,” he shared.

Formative Beginnings

Janecke grew up in Bonteheuwel and later a Johannesburg area, both historically referred to as “mixed-race” communities. He heard his elder playing music legends, he danced at gatherings. At first planned to study finance after school, but succumbed to the attraction of movement, in which he has learned informally.

Artistic Path

In the early 2010s, he delved into femininity in dance and acknowledged himself as gay. He was instrumental in launching a dance crew, the country’s first group of male dancers focused on ballroom-inspired styles, movement genres that were born in the underground dance community in the ’80s and ’90s.

His team, which evolved to include women and a costume designer, participated in numerous broadcast dance competitions. However, it finished second in all but the last event, something Janecke linked to South Africa not yet being prepared for queer performers.

In 2013, the group was assaulted at a taxi stand as they travelled back from appearing at a pride event. A group converged on their vehicle, screaming and shaking the van from one side to the other, until the conductor finally convinced them to break up. “It felt like:‘Well, this is the end for you,’” shared Janecke.

Key Achievements

In time, V.I.N.T.A.G.E had disbanded, as Janecke began receiving offers alone, directing the competition a popular show for multiple seasons. He was hired by the artist’s initial team to coach her. “I sensed: ‘There’s something about her.’ I can see it in the expression,” he recalled.

In the present day, a practice session was just a few days after the MTV Video Music Awards. The singer took home an award for her song. The music video was choreographed by him, who was also recognized for top choreographer.

This was the highest point of over 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 overseas events for a popular DJ and led movement sessions at a New York institution, the space of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in New York, and at Playground in LA.

Upcoming Goals

“For me, the end of that chapter is the awards recognition,” Janecke said. He was on set when he found out he had been shortlisted: “I at once became emotional. I was so emotional, I feel I remain touched, because … I woke up, in the night, to view the ceremony as it happened. I felt convinced that this moment is where my future awaits.”

Using his hands as he talked, standing to demonstrate routines. “I have to take the right steps to continue communicating and establishing my work out there, away from the names attached to it.”

He listed his dreams – finding a American representative, working with names such as pop stars to Beyoncé and Madonna, and making inroads in the Korean pop industry, commercials and musicals. He referenced another artist a talented creator as representing the standard he knows he is positioned for reaching.

Keeping Roots

Even so, Janecke was emphatic he would continue collaborating with Tyla: “We have a bond always … She’s very dedicated about making songs and really changing the conversation of the world.”

While Janecke expressed frustration that the local industry lacked the structured and smooth professional conditions of the America, he affirmed he was true to his origins fundamentally. “My vision created a dance performed by the entire globe … so, for me, what I pursue is a dream rooted in Africa.”