South Africa’s favourite alt-pop band, Rubber Duc, makes a bold comeback with their brand-new single, “Muhammad Ali.” The release arrives ahead of their upcoming EP, Old Money, which drops on 21 November 2025.
With its boxing-inspired imagery and upbeat rhythm, “Muhammad Ali” is classic Rubber Duc – playful, tongue-in-cheek, yet layered with heartfelt meaning.
“Ali was one of the greatest fighters of all time, and that imagery really connected with the song’s rhythm and phrasing as it was coming together,” the band shares. “In relationships, there are emotional swings, and some hits land harder than others. When the first line of the chorus, float like a butterfly, sting like a bee, came to us, it just clicked. It made sense to build the song around that energy, to keep it fun while still saying something real.”
The Road to Old Money
Old Money marks Rubber Duc’s first full project in several years. The five-track EP includes four brand-new songs and a special bonus track.
“It feels authentically Rubber Duc again,” the band says. “We went back to basics for this one—just jamming together in a room, focusing on feels and chord progressions before layering production. It reminded us why we love creating music as a group.”
The title track, “Old Money,” has already become a crowd favourite at live shows. The song blends an African-inspired groove with the band’s signature alt-pop sound and features both the original and current saxophonists playing together—a rare and special moment for the group. “For us, Old Money feels like home, and we cannot wait for fans to experience it.”
Rubber Duc is staying true to their sound
Now more than a decade into their career, Rubber Duc reflects on the importance of authenticity. “There were moments where we chased trends rather than staying true to ourselves. Now we’re making music for us first, and that authenticity resonates more deeply with fans,” the band explains.
They’ve seen firsthand how much impact their songs can have, with fans crediting tracks like “It’s Alright” and “Feet” as lifelines during tough times. “Music can be the best friend who gives advice or the best friend who is there to party with you. That’s what we hope this EP becomes for listeners—a companion for the highs and lows of life.”
Taking the Music on Tour
To celebrate this new chapter, Rubber Duc is heading back on the road. A Western Cape tour is scheduled for September, followed by shows in Dubai this November. In December, they’ll bring their fresh sound to festival stages and venues across South Africa.
“We’re excited to be performing new music and to have a fresh body of work out in the world,” the band says. “It feels revitalizing, like a new chapter.”
The single “Muhammad Ali” is available now on all major streaming platforms, giving fans a taste of what’s to come with Old Money. Stream/download the track on Spotify and all other major streaming platforms.
Watch this space for updates in the Music News category on SA Music Zone.
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