New Academics

New Academics is a four-piece Funk rock band formed in Cape Town, South Africa. They are currently based in Johannesburg. They are known for their mixture of Afro-beat, Jazz, Hard rock, Funk and Hip hop in their music and have built a solid a following in South Africa and Europe with their debut album City of Strange.

New Academics
Origin	Cape Town, South Africa
Genres	Funk rock, alternative hip hop, jazz fusion
Years active	2004 – present
Labels	Independent
Members	Joe Penn Dave Baudains Brendon van Rooyen

In 2008, the New Academics were nominated for a SAMA (South African Music Award) in the category of "Best Alternative Album".

Members

Current

Joe Penn — vocals (2004 – present)
David Baudains — guitar (2004 – present)
Brendon van Rooyen — drums (2007 - 2009, 2020 - present)

Previous

Rob Smith — drums (2014 – 2019)
Jacques Du Plessis — bass guitar (2016 – 2018)
Hugh Hunt — bass (2014 – 2016) Sean Strydom — bass (2010)
Howie Combrink — drums (2006 – 2007, 2009 – 2010)
Martin Labuschagne — bass (2006 - 2009)
Damian Staz — drums (2006)
Richard Broderick — drums (2004 - 2005)

Discography

• 2023 - The Great Romancer
• 2016 — Growler Front
• 2006 — City of Strange, Seed Music/Sheer Sound
• 2008 — The Apple