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Rubber Duc | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Background information | |
| Origin | Johannesburg, South Africa |
| Genres |
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| Years active | 2014–present |
| Labels | Independent, Virgin Music Group SA |
| Members |
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| Past members |
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| Website | www |
Rubber Duc is a South African alternative-pop and acoustic dance music band formed in Johannesburg in 2014. The group is known for its fusion of folk, swing, pop, and brass instrumentation, as well as its upbeat comedic and observational lyrics.[1]
The band rose to national prominence following their 2014 breakthrough single "Ain't Nobody Got Time for That". Their debut studio album, The Secret Sunrise (2016), received two nominations at the 23rd South African Music Awards (SAMA 23).[2]
History
[edit]Formation and breakthrough (2014–2015)
[edit]Rubber Duc was formed in Johannesburg in early 2014 by lead vocalist and guitarist Nick Jordaan, lead guitarist Brendan Campbell, saxophonist Sheldon Sham, and bassist Amiel Gopal.[1] The band chose their name intentionally to distinguish themselves in search engines by omitting the letter "k".[1]
In March 2014, the group released their satirical debut single, "Ain't Nobody Got Time for That", inspired by the viral video catchphrase of Sweet Brown. The track gained heavy rotation across national commercial radio stations in South Africa.[1] The band followed this release with singles such as "It's Alright" and "Stay With Me", pioneering a style they described as "acoustic dance music" (ADM).[1]
The Secret Sunrise and industry recognition (2016–2018)
[edit]In September 2016, Rubber Duc released their debut full-length studio album, The Secret Sunrise, which spawned several radio singles including "Are We There Yet?" and "Feet".
At the 23rd South African Music Awards in 2017, the album received two industry nominations: Best Alternative Music Album and Best Produced Album.[2][3] In 2018, their composition "Avery" earned an Honourable Mention in the Folk/Singer-Songwriter category at the International Songwriting Competition (ISC), selected from over 16,000 worldwide submissions.
In late 2018, the band released the pop single "Through the Night", which reached number one on the Jacaranda FM Top 20 chart.
Subsequent releases and Old Money (2019–present)
[edit]In November 2020, Rubber Duc released the bilingual collaboration single "Come Again" with South African pop group ADAM.
In 2025, the group partnered with Virgin Music Group South Africa to release the extended play Old Money.[4]
Musical style and performances
[edit]Rubber Duc's style combines acoustic folk instrumentation, syncopated rhythm guitars, saxophone hooks, and four-part vocal harmonies, blending elements of pop, swing, and dance music.[1]
The band has performed on the main stages of prominent southern African music festivals, including Splashy Fen,[5] Oppikoppi, Rocking the Daisies, Up the Creek,[6] and the Vic Falls Carnival in Zimbabwe. They have also performed as the primary opening act for German rock group Milky Chance during their South African tour.
Band members
[edit]Current members
[edit]- Nick Jordaan – lead vocals, acoustic guitar (2014–present)
- Brendan Campbell – lead guitar, kick drum, backing vocals (2014–present)
- Amiel Gopal – bass guitar, backing vocals (2014–present)
- Kabelo Seleke – saxophone (2020–present)
- Nicholas McCreadie – drums (2020–present)
Former members
[edit]- Sheldon Sham – saxophone (2014–2019)
- Leeroy Sauls – drums (touring/session)
Discography
[edit]Studio albums
[edit]| Title | Album details |
|---|---|
| The Secret Sunrise |
|
Extended plays
[edit]| Title | EP details |
|---|---|
| Old Money |
|
Selected singles
[edit]- "Ain't Nobody Got Time for That" (2014)
- "It's Alright" (2014)
- "Stay With Me" (2014)
- "Zebra Horse" (2015)
- "Are We There Yet?" (2016)
- "Feet" (2016)
- "Through the Night" (2018)
- "Down on My Knees" (feat. Lara Gear) (2019)
- "For the First Time" (2019)
- "Talk About It" (2020)
- "Come Again" (with ADAM) (2020)
- "First to Leave" (2023)
- "Old Money" (2025)
Awards and nominations
[edit]| Year | Association | Category | Nominated work | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | South African Music Awards (SAMA 23) | Best Alternative Music Album | The Secret Sunrise | Nominated | [2] |
| Best Produced Album | Nominated | [3] | |||
| 2018 | International Songwriting Competition (ISC) | Folk / Singer-Songwriter | "Avery" | Honourable mention |
References
[edit]- 1 2 3 4 5 6 Ndlovu, Andile (2015-10-09). "Local band getting ducks all in a row". Independent Online (IOL). Retrieved 2026-09-02.
- 1 2 3 "2017 SAMAs: all the nominees". TVSA (Television South Africa). 2017-04-21. Retrieved 2026-09-02.
- 1 2 "SAMA23 nominees announced". Bizcommunity. 2017-04-24. Retrieved 2026-09-02.
- ↑ "Rubber Duc thrill Lyric Lounge audience with familiar hits and new songs". The Citizen. 2025-07-23. Retrieved 2026-09-02.
- ↑ "American Authors set to headline at Splashy Fen". Independent Online (IOL). 2024-03-16. Retrieved 2026-09-02.
- ↑ "It's great to be Up the Creek". Independent Online (IOL). 2015-01-17. Retrieved 2026-09-02.
External links
[edit]Category:2014 establishments in South Africa Category:South African indie pop musical groups Category:South African alternative rock groups Category:Musical groups established in 2014 Category:Musical groups from Johannesburg