Sankomota

Sankomota
Also known as	Uhuru
Origin	Maseru, Lesotho
Genres	Afro-Jazz, Rock fusion
Years active	1976 – present
Labels	Shifty Records

Sankomota is a band from Lesotho. The band (originally named Uhuru) was formed around 1976 and consisted of several members in its earliest years, namely - Frank Leepa (guitarist, vocalist, arranger, composer), Moss Nkofo (drummer), Black Jesus (percussion), Moruti Selate, Tsepo Tshola (lead vocalist and composer), and Pitso Sera (guitar), among others. Peter Schneider managed the band from its early years until 1979. Under the leadership of Leepa, Sankomota's career spanned more than two decades.

History

Frank Leepa - also known as The Captain - started the band in school, called Anti Antiques. The band later changed its name to Uhuru. However, due to the popularity of Black Uhuru from the Caribbean, they had to change their name again. When asked what Sankomota means, Frank Leepa went on record to say that it is the name of a mighty warrior from Basotho and Bapedi people. Sankomota was the first band to record an LP in Lesotho. They were recorded by Lloyd Ross and Warrick Sony of Shifty Records on November 11, 1983. The album was self-titled; Sankomota and it has 9-tracks which are, collectively, under 50 minutes long.

Tsepo Tshola died on 15 July 2021.

Discography

• 1983: Sankomota
• 1989: The Writing's On The Wall
• 1991: Exploration - A New Phase
• 1991: Dreams Do Come True (Re-release)
• 1993: After The Storm
• 2001: Frankly Speaking
• Best Of Sankomota 1981-1991
• Greatest Hits
• The Best Of Tsepo Tshola & Sankomota

References

• Born For Greatness, Biography of Frank Leepa

External links

• Peter Schneider
• Sankomota discography at Discogs