The band consisted of several members in its earliest years; Frank Leepa (guitarist, vocalist, arranger, composer), Moss Nkofo (drummer), Black Jesus (percussion), Moruti Selate (bass), Tsepo Tshola (lead vocalist and composer), and Pitso Sera (guitar), among others.
[1] Frank Leepa, also known as the Captain, started the band in school, calling it Anti Antiques.
However, due to the popularity of Black Uhuru from Jamaica, under the advisement of Schneider, the band decided to change their name again in order to avoid confusion.
The name 'Sankomota' was chosen due to its symbolism, meaning phantom or poltergeist in the Sesotho language, as well as it being the name of a warrior from the Basotho and Bapedi people during the reign of King Moshoeshoe.
In 1991, Tsepo Tshola, the band's lead singer, left to pursue a solo career.