Lee-ché Janecke, fondly known as Litchi Hov, is the force behind Tyla's captivating dance moves.
Image: Instagram
Tyla has gone viral for her effortless dance moves, such as her waist shaking and water-throwing while winding. But who is the creative force behind these moves?
Tyla's viral dance moves showcase not only her effortless talent but also the creativity and expertise of her choreographer, Lee-ché Janecke, known professionally as Litchi Hov.
Born to a ballerina mother and a break dancer father, Janecke’s passion for dance was ignited from a young age.
His love for dance is more than just a passion; it is a career-defining choice. After matric, he was offered a scholarship to pursue an accounting qualification, but he turned it down to focus on dance.
This bold decision has led him to where he is today as one of South Africa’s most sought-after choreographers and creative directors.
Rising to fame
Janecke’s dance journey took off as a member of the popular Vintage Dance Cru. The group gained a massive following in South Africa, particularly for their unique style that blended waacking and voguing.
As an openly gay dance crew, they broke barriers and brought something fresh to the Mzansi dance industry.
Before his work with Tyla, the international choreographer also showcased his skills in the South African reality dance competition “Step Up or Step Out”.
Although he did not win, the experience left a lasting mark on his career, solidifying his reputation as a talented dancer and choreographer. His collaboration with Tyla has been a game-changer, with his choreography playing a significant role in her success.
He is not only Tyla’s choreographer but also the creative director behind her hit music video “Getting Late”, one of the songs that helped launch her career.
As an international choreographer and creative director, his work continues to inspire and captivate audiences worldwide.
A lasting impact on South African dance
His impressive resume extends beyond Tyla, with notable collaborations with South African artists such as Mafikizolo, Sho Madjozi, Shekhinah and amapiano sensation Uncle Waffles.
Janecke has worked on high-profile projects like the music videos for Mafikizolo’s “Khona” and Shekhinah’s “Please Mr”. He has also choreographed for Uncle Waffle’s song “Wadibusa”.
In addition to his work in the music industry, the Cape Town-born choreographer has lent his creative expertise to the Feather Awards, a prominent South African LGBTQ+ awards ceremony that celebrates excellence and diversity in the community.
The talented dancer was also the creative genius behind Tyla’s Coachella dance moves for both days of her performances. After they wrapped up Coachella, Janecke took to his Instagram to reflect on his work with the team.
“Still decompressing and taking it all in. This is another first for us as South Africans on the world stage, allowing our stories to be told through our lens. I’m a dreamer, but lately, God's realities for me outweigh even those glorious dreams,” he wrote.
As a creative director, he brings the vision to life through innovative and engaging productions. With his unique style and creative flair, Janecke continues to make waves in the entertainment industry.
As Tyla’s choreographer and creative director, he has played a huge role in shaping her artistic identity and propelling her to global stardom.
Together, they are taking South Africa to new heights, proudly representing the country’s vibrant culture and dance heritage on the world stage.
Their passion, creativity, and dedication to their craft are a true reflection of the incredible talent emerging from South Africa, and their partnership is a shining example of what is possible when creativity and passion come together.