theguardian.com
South African Choreographer Lee-ché Janecke Aims for Global Dance Stardom
Lee-ché Janecke, a South African choreographer who rose to fame creating the viral dance for Tyla's "Water," is expanding his global brand, leveraging his MTV VMA nomination and collaborations with international artists to achieve his ambitions.
- What are Janecke's future goals and how does he plan to achieve them?
- Janecke aims to secure a US agent, collaborate with major artists like Beyoncé and Madonna, penetrate the K-pop market, and expand into advertising and musicals, aspiring to reach the level of choreographers such as Robbie Blue. He intends to achieve this while maintaining his South African identity and continuing his collaboration with Tyla.
- How did Janecke's background and earlier experiences shape his current success?
- Janecke's journey began in historically Coloured townships, where early exposure to music and family dance events fueled his passion. His experiences with V.I.N.T.A.G.E, South Africa's first male vogueing crew, despite facing challenges like homophobic attacks, instilled resilience and shaped his artistic vision. His work with Tyla, starting when she was 17, provided a crucial stepping stone.
- What is the central achievement that propels Lee-ché Janecke's global career aspirations?
- Janecke's MTV VMA nomination for Best Choreography for Tyla's "Push2Start" video marks a pivotal moment, propelling his career beyond South Africa and solidifying his international recognition. This success, coupled with collaborations on major platforms like The Voice finale, BET Awards, and Coachella, fuels his ambitions.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article presents a largely positive framing of Lee-ché Janecke's career, highlighting his successes and aspirations. While challenges are mentioned (attack at Soweto Pride, lack of seamless working environment in South Africa), the focus remains on his achievements and future goals. The narrative structure emphasizes his growth and global recognition, potentially overshadowing the systemic challenges faced by LGBTQ+ artists in South Africa. The headline (if there were one) would likely reinforce this positive framing.
Language Bias
The language used is generally positive and celebratory, using terms like "viral," "breakout hit," and "pinnacle." While there are mentions of challenges, the overall tone is optimistic and inspirational. There's a potential bias in the choice of words describing his background ('historically "Coloured" townships'), which might benefit from more precise and less potentially loaded language. The phrase "My African dream got a dance done by the whole world" could also be interpreted as slightly nationalistic, though the intention may not be inherently biased.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on Janecke's personal journey and achievements, potentially omitting broader discussions of the South African music and dance industry, the challenges faced by other LGBTQ+ artists, and the socio-political context of his upbringing. While acknowledging the attack at Soweto Pride, the article doesn't delve deeply into the systemic issues of homophobia or discrimination in South Africa that may have contributed to V.I.N.T.A.G.E.'s challenges. The omission of the names of the two university squads might be due to space limitations, but it leaves a slightly incomplete picture of the event.
False Dichotomy
The article doesn't present explicit false dichotomies, but there's an implicit contrast between the seemingly seamless working environment in the US and the perceived lack thereof in South Africa. This might oversimplify the complexities of the creative industries in both countries and could lead readers to overlook potential positives within the South African context.
Sustainable Development Goals
Janecke, a gay Black South African choreographer from historically marginalized communities, achieved international success, countering systemic inequalities and providing representation for LGBTQ+ and African artists in the global entertainment industry. His journey highlights the potential for overcoming barriers and achieving global recognition while preserving cultural identity.