Formed in Lesotho as Uhuru in the late 1970s. Frank Leepa (guitar, vocals, percussion), Tsepo Tshola (vocals), Maruti Selate (bass, vocals, percussion), Moss Nkofo (drums, vocals, percussion), Sunshine Makoena (keyboards, backing vocals) and Sponky Tshabalala (percussion).
They were deported from South Africa during a tour because they were regarded as subversive. Tsepo Tshola then left the group and attempted to pursue his career overseas. T
he band changed their name to Sankomota and in 1984 Shifty went to Lesotho to record their debut album in their mobile (caravan) studio. It was also Shifty’s first album. By 1986 they were allowed to perform in South Africa and Tsepo Tshola rejoined as vocalist. They went on to record a further four albums with major labels between 1987 and 1993.