Neneh Cherry had the hit single “Buffalo Stance” in 1989. The song became her international breakthrough and was released through Circa and Virgin Records in connection with her debut album, Raw Like Sushi.
“Buffalo Stance” blends hip-hop, pop, dance music, and club-oriented production. Its distinctive backing track was built from elements associated with the Bristol music scene, including work by The Wild Bunch and collaborators such as Tim Simenon. The record’s energetic bass line, spoken interjections, and unusual title helped it stand out on late-1980s radio.
The song was initially released in late 1988 in some markets, which causes occasional confusion. Its major chart impact and widely recognized hit period were in 1989, making 1989 the standard answer to this trivia question. In the United States, it reached the top five of the Billboard Hot 100.
Cherry later had other successful singles, including “Manchild” and “Kisses on the Wind.” She is also the daughter of jazz trumpeter Don Cherry and the half-sister of singer Eagle-Eye Cherry.