Sankomota's Frank Leepa Has Died

Legendary base guitarist and co-founder of one of Lesotho and Southern Africa’s most popular groups, Sankomota, Moki Frank Leepa, died in Maseru on November 27 after a short illness.

Announcing the sad news on behalf of Leepa’s family, Mr. Mokoenya Chele said Frank Leepa had just arrived back home from South Africa where he had been based, working with the Metso Band. When his problems started on Thursday morning, he was rushed to the CareWell Clinic in Maseru, receiving treatment and being discharged. He died later the same day.

South African musicians have organised a benefit concert in his honour on December 3 at Kippie's in Johannesburg for the internationally renowned guitarist, Mr. Chele announced. He added that locally, a memorial service has been organised for him at the Lesotho Cooperatives College on Thursday, December 4 beginning at four o’clock in the afternoon where local musicians are expected.

His name synonymous with Sankomota, Frank Leepa has more than seven albums/compact discs to his credit including Sankomota, The Writing is on the Wall, Exploration: A new Phase, Dreams Do Come True, After the Storm, The Best of Sankomota and Frankly Speaking.

Leepa, who had just turned 50 years old in October 2003, will be buried according to his wishes at his home in Qhuuqhu, in the Maseru district on Sunday, December 7. A divorcee, he leaves a sister and a younger brother.

2 December 2003