The chatter fades away as Nimish Nookala ‘24 steps onto the stage with the rest of the group. Clad in smart navy-blue suits and sporting a set of cool shades, they all take deep breaths. The opening notes of the peppy song spread to fill the auditorium, and just as the audience begins to bop their heads, Nookala steps out and begins to belt his solo. Everyone claps along, and at the end, the crowd leaps to their feet with raucous applause. This is just a normal performance in the lives of the Virginia Gentlemen (VGs).
“We’re just a group of guys who love music,” Nookala said. “We’ve performed across all seven continents — and yes, that includes Antarctica.”
Nookala participated in musical activities until eighth grade as a part of his middle school’s choir and musical theater groups. However, right before he began high school, the COVID-19 pandemic hit. After that, he decided to step back from music and not pursue it in high school.
When he arrived at the University of Virginia (UVA), Nookala wasn’t even aware that the acapella culture existed. Soon, someone in his dorm who was part of the VGs recommended that he attend a meeting — and the rest is history.
“Coming here reignited my passion for singing, my passion for music,” Nookala said. “UVA is actually a much more musical school than people think.”
The VGs are far from the only acapella group — those that sing by themselves without backing music — at UVA; in fact, there are at least 14 other groups, with a diverse blend of lower voices, higher voices, co-ed, and culturally-specific themes. It’s safe to say that the VGs are one of the most popular, though, stemming from their history as UVA’s first acapella group (founded in 1953) as well as the 60+ gigs they perform annually.
The VGs also sing a wide variety of music, from modern R&B and pop to classic rock and traditional doo-wop. To figure out vocal arrangements and harmonies, the singers dedicate at least six hours a week to group rehearsals. This can be a tough schedule, but Nookala maintains that it’s necessary to uphold their performance standards.
“We want to make sure our concert sounds really good for everyone in attendance,” Nookala said. “Sometimes it requires us to put a little bit more time and effort into learning our concert music because we have a lot of other songs that we offer to clients for gigs. We have to be able to sing those songs at any moment, essentially.”
In terms of advice for prospective singers, Nookala encourages people to find a space where they not only enjoy the music, but also vibe with the people and community. Reach out and make connections with others. Don’t be afraid to try; experience is not a necessity to join groups like the VGs.
“I definitely feel very proud seeing him perform with the VGs,” sophomore Khushi Nookala, his younger sister, said. “He’s been singing since I can remember, so it’s pretty cool getting to see him continue in college.”
Though he joined the VGs as a freshman and is on the younger side of the team, Nookala has already made a difference, which can be seen in his election as business manager for the 2025-2026 school year. Cavan Meade, the previous president of the group, highlighted Nookala as a standout who embodies what it means to be a VG.
“Notwithstanding his talent — which is undeniable — he is such a genuine friend and a role model in all of his communities,” Meade said. “He never ceases to crack a joke or check in on someone, and seeing him grow into leadership with that kind of attitude is really special. I speak for the whole group when I say that he is absolutely killing it.”
