The Sentinentals

The Sentinentals is a proudly South African a cappella group that fuses a number of music genres ranging from Isicathamiya, Afrosoul, Rythmn & Blues as well African classics. Their compositions and performances are inspired by their musical idols such as the Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Boys II Men, Stimela, Bayethe and Manhattan Brothers, to name just a few.  With their melodic voices, and a touch of piano to round off the sound, The Sentinentals creates the perfect mood for government and corporate gala dinners, and are available for events and functions of all kinds.

Founded in 1999, the group started performing together whilst attending Thamsanqa High School, and now consists of Sammy Nyembe, Gordon Gule, Zweli Dlomo, Erick Mkumbeni and Tebogo Modisane.  The Sentinentals’ talent and maturity is perfectly captured in their album, which allowed each member and the group as a whole to reach new heights and challenge themselves and their “a cappella comfort zone” with the addition of instrumental accompaniment. 

The Sentinentals has performed far and wide, to esteemed guests such as former statesmen Nelson Mandela, Bill Clinton and Thabo Mbeki, and Hollywood superstars Kevin Spacey and Chris Tucker. They have performed internationally in Germany (2003) and Italy (2004). In July 2004, they made headline news when they shared the stage with an international multi Grammy award-winner Thomas Quasthoff.

After featuring on the popular SABC TV Drama Soul City V in 2000, the Sentinentals attracted attention from various corporates, receiving sponsorships from clothing label Guess from (Italy), Rennies, Avis and Globeflight Couriers. Under the wing of international high-end fashion brand consultant Anne-Marie Scichili (Italy), who is also a principal member at the Elton John AIDS Foundation, The Sentinentals became synonymous with high fashion, and they performed for global icons of fashion in Florence and at Fidenza Valley - one of the 16 fashion malls in Europe.

The group is now featured in the documentary entitled the Sentinentals journey produced by top international documentary producer Liza Key. They have also worked with local theatre giant Janice Honeyman, and subsequently landed a partnership with South Africa’s premier theatre productions, Sarafina!