What was Bob Marley's posthumous hit single released in 1983?

Bob Marley’s posthumous hit single released in 1983 was “Buffalo Soldier.” Marley recorded the song earlier, around 1978, but it was not released until after his death.

The track appeared on the 1983 album Confrontation and became one of Marley’s best-known songs. It was written by Marley with Jamaican songwriter and producer Noel “King Sporty” Williams. The song combines a steady reggae groove with lyrics about Black soldiers and historical survival.

“Buffalo Soldier” refers to the nickname given to Black regiments of the United States Army after the Civil War. These troops served in the American West during the late 19th century, including the period of the Native American wars. Marley used the historical figure as a symbol of resistance, displacement and endurance.

The single became a significant international success, reaching number four in the United Kingdom and number three in New Zealand. It is often confused with songs from Marley’s earlier albums, such as “Jamming,” but those were released during his lifetime.