What is a Buffalo Stance-Surely we can Market this singer- or not
It was an odd song in 1989. “Buffalo Stance” was a dance song with a rap part, but she also sang. It had this hiccuping synth-bass part that made listeners wonder what was that noise?
Who was this singer? Nenah Cherry was new to America. When we heard about her, we were told that she was the step daughter of a big time Jazz musician. Didn’t hear Jazz in that song.
What is this song? What is Buffalo Stance? Female empowerment? They said it was about fashion models. Ok.
Cherry was going to be big. Musicians in her family. Big dance song. She can sing. She released more songs, but they weren’t big. A couple of years later came her next album. The first single, “Buddy X” got a big push, but it wasn’t “Buffalo Stance.” Then came “Trout.” This song sampled Steppenwolf and featured Micheal Stipe of REM. That is a big change from “Buffalo Stance.”
I liked more of that 1993 album than “Buffalo Stance.” Then she disappeared from America. Later found out her first band was called “The Slits.” In spite of what the name conjures in your mind, they were reggae influenced. You can find their album on music sites, it’s worth a listen.
Cherry was in a reggae band, had a dance hit and duetted with alternative singer Stipe. She could do anything. Yeah, someone like that can’t be marketed. She disappeared in America.
She didn’t give up. She’s done back up for a variety of bands. She still makes music in Britain. She assisted her family and her children’s music careers. While she didn’t have another “Buffalo Stance” she still works and performs. That is a successful career anyway.
Want to learn more about this amazing singer? Here is her website: